University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
UNC-Wilmington
UConn MBB Challenges UNC Wilmington
11/17/2022 5:13:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UConn Athletic Communications / Nov. 17, 2022
STORRS, Conn. – The UConn men's basketball team plays the second of a three-games-in-six-days stretch when it takes on North Carolina Wilmington on Friday night in Gampel Pavilion (8:35 p.m., FS2).
The Huskies (3-0), ranked No. 25 in the AP poll, will be out to extend their 8-game winning streak overall at home, and 12 straight wins at Gampel Pavilion.
And the Huskies just might get some added help.
Junior guard Andre Jackson Jr., and sophomore guard Jordan Hawkins, both of whom have missed virtually the first three games of the season with injuries, might well be on the court, at least for limited time, against the Seahawks (1-2).
Hawkins, who did play just over 8:00 in the season opener before suffering a hard fall that sent him into concussion protocol, has been cleared to return to action. Jackson, whose broken pinky on his right hand has kept him completely out of the first three games, was cleared to practice with full contact on Thursday. Sophomore forward Samson Johnson remains sidelined with an injured right foot.
"Barring any setbacks, it looks good for Jordan," UConn Coach Dan Hurley said. "Andre, not as much, but it will be a game day decision. But just having two guys of that caliber return to the court is a lift for the whole team."
Not that the Huskies have struggled too much without the two starters. UConn has averaged 85.0 points per game while allowing just 58.3 in the three victories and has outrebounded opponents by 15.0 rebounds per game. The Huskies are shooting .486 overall as a team, and allowed just .378.
UConn has five players averaging in double figures – Adama Sanogo (19.0), Tristen Newton (14.0), Alex Karaban (11.0), Nahiem Alleyne (10.3) and Donovan Clingan (10.0). Newton is coming off a game in which he recorded the 12th triple-double in UConn history with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists.
"I've been thrilled by what we've been able to do without those guys (Hawkins and Jackson)," Hurley said. "When they do come back, it's not just a matter of jumping in and playing. They have both missed so much time, that it will be a process to work them in."
UConn and UNC Wilmington have only met once on the court, a 93-55, UConn win on Dec. 20, 1997, in Hartford.
This edition of the Seahawks has begun the season at 1-2, with losses to Power 5 teams North Carolina and Oklahoma. UNCW is led by 6-6 sophomore forward Trazarien White, who is averaging 18.3 ppg and 4.7 rebounds. Reserve big man Victor Enoh is the top rebounder at 5.3 per game.
The Huskies won't have long to rest after tonight's game as they are back in action Sunday, meeting Delaware State at the XL Center at 5 p.m.
That will be UConn's last home game before it heads to Portland, Ore., over Thanksgiving to compete in the Phil Knight Invitational. The Huskies will challenge Oregon in the tournament opener on Thanksgiving night, then will meet either Alabama or Michigan State on Friday, Nov. 25. UConn's final opponent on Sunday, Nov. 27, will come from among North Carolina, Portland, Villanova or Iowa State.
