University of Connecticut Athletics
Oriakhi Leads Huskies Past Rutgers, 67-53
1/11/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 11, 2011
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HARTFORD, CONN. - Kemba Walker scored 18 points, Alex Oriakhi recorded his fifth career double-double and the University of Connecticut used a 12-0 run at the start of the second half to key a 67-53 men's basketball victory over Rutgers before a crowd of 12,527 at the XL Center Tuesday evening.
The 10th-ranked Huskies are now 13-2 on the season, leveling their BIG EAST record at 2-2. The Scarlet Knights drop to 10-6, 1-3 in conference play.
The Huskies broke open a tight game by scoring the first 12 points of the second half. After taking a 32-27 lead at intermission after a see-saw first half, the Huskies' scoring spurt was started by a conventional three-point play by Roscoe Smith. Shabazz Napier followed with a fast-break, pull-up jump shot and Walker added back-to-back hoops. Smith capped the run with a three-point jumper and the Huskies had a comfortable 44-27 lead.
Connecticut increased their lead to as many as 24 (at 57-33) as they were never seriously challenged again. The Huskies shot 48 percent in the second half, while holding the Scarlet Knights to just 35 percent shooting.
Walker led the Huskies in scoring for the 15th straight time this season with his 18 points. He has scored at least 18 points in every game this season. He made seven-of-15 shots from the field, and added six rebounds and three assists.
Oriakhi had his second straight big game, scoring 17 points and yanking down a game-best 12 rebounds. He made seven-of-11 from the field and registered a game-high four blocked shots.
Connecticut got a solid lift off of the bench from Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, who scored nine points in 22 minutes. Smith finished with eight points, while Donnell Beverly had his second-straight solid effort off of the bench with seven points in eight minutes. Napier set his career standard with seven assists and added three steals.
Rutgers was paced by Mike Poole, who scored 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
For the third time in four games, the Huskies committed less than 10 turnovers, making just eight miscues. They enjoyed a 15-2 advantage in fast break points.
Connecticut will next play on Saturday, January 15, when they travel to play DePaul at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. and the contest will be televised by SNY.