University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
University at Buffalo
UConn MBB Takes On Buffalo At XL Center
11/14/2022 11:29:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UConn Athletic Communications / Nov. 14, 2022
HARTFORD – With the newly-named BIG EAST Player and Freshman of the Week both in the lineup, the No. 25 UConn men's basketball team goes after its third straight victory Tuesday night as it plays host to the University at Buffalo at the XL Center (7 p.m., CBS SN).
Junior Adama Sanogo was named the league's Player of the Week Monday following a two-game start in which he produced averages of 23.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, while redshirt freshman Alex Karaban captured Freshman of the Week honors with double-figure efforts in both games.
They have been joined by transfer students Tristen Newton, Nahiem Alleyne, and Hassan Diarra in the starting lineup as the Huskies (2-0) try to shrug off a rash of injuries to three starters and continue their solid start.
Junior Andre Jackson Jr. (broken pinky) and sophomore Jordan Hawkins (concussion protocol) are getting closer to returning to action for the Huskies, which could happen within the next game or two. Sophomore Samson Johnson (foot injury) will likely take a bit longer.
Even without the key players, however, UConn has averaged 85.5 points in its first two games and thrown up a defense that has held opponents to 55.5. The Huskies are allowing opponents to shoot just .347 overall and a paltry .241 from three-point range. UConn, meanwhile, has shot .508 overall as a team and is outrebounding opponents by 16.0 rebounds per game.
Buffalo (1-1) has begun the season with an 88-87 win over Colgate and a 97-62 loss to James Madison. The Bulls, out of the Mid-American Conference, are led by the potent one-two punch of Zid Powell (16.0 ppg) and Curtis Jones (15.0 ppg). Jones and Jonnivius Smith are the team's top rebounders (5.0) and Powell hands out the most assists (4.0).
Buffalo's calling card has been an aggressive defense that has averaged 14.5 steals per game in the opening two games, which ranks fifth in the country. Ironically, UConn is averaging 14.5 turnovers per game.
UConn holds an 8-1 edge over Buffalo in the series between the teams, but their last meeting was three years ago at the Charleston (S.C.) Classic. Buffalo has never before played at the XL Center.
Tuesday's game is the first of a crowded schedule for the Huskies, who will also meet North Carolina Wilmington on Friday (Storrs) Â and Delaware State on Sunday (Hartford) before heading for the Phil Knight Invitational Tournament, consisting of three games in Portland, Ore., over Thanksgiving.
