University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Grambling State
UCONN MBB ENTERTAINS GRAMBLING ST. AT GAMPEL
12/3/2021 3:37:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UConn Athletic Communications / Dec. 3. 2021
STORRS, Conn. – Not only will the UConn men's basketball team be battling Grambling State in a Saturday afternoon contest at Gampel Pavilion, but it will be fighting the injury bug as well.
The No. 17/17 Huskies (7-1) will be without two starters, guard Tyrese Martin and forward Adama Sanogo, when they meet the visiting Tigers at 4 p.m. (FS2). Martin is dealing with an avulsion fracture of his left wrist, which will likely sideline him for two-to-four weeks, while Sanogo has an abdominal strain that will keep him out of action for an indefinite period.
They are two vital pieces of the UConn game plan, as Sanogo is the team's second-leading scorer (15.6), third-leading rebounder (6.3), and No. 1 inside presence. Martin is the team's third-leading scorer (12.9), top rebounder (7.7) and gives the Huskies their tough, gritty identity.
Their absence puts an added burden on remaining starters R.J. Cole (16.1 ppg, 4.1 apg), Andre Jackson (6.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and Isaiah Whaley (6.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg), but also provides a chance for players like Jordan Hawkins, Akok Akok, Jalen Gaffney, Samson Johnson, and Rahsool Diggins to receive added playing time.
"A lot of people who weren't happy with their role and wanted more minutes?" Coach Dan Hurley told the media on Friday. "Well, here you go. Go produce."
The Huskies have won their last two and are looking forward to a brutal week ahead, playing at West Virginia on Wednesday and against St. Bonaventure on Dec. 11 on a neutral court, the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Grambling State (3-5), out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, is a first-time opponent for UConn. The Tigers are coming off a 71-44 rollover won against Jarvis Christian College. They are led by grad student guard Danya Kingsby (12.1 ppg), junior Cameron Christon (11.3), and junior AJ Taylor (10.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg). Grambling shoots 40.9 percent overall and 34.8 percent from three-point range.
It will be UConn's last game at Gampel Pavilion until Jan. 12, when the Huskies play host to St. John's in a BIG EAST match-up.   Â
