UConn advances to face Florida in March Madness

UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. made a memorable NCAA Tournament debut. He scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds, helping UConn defeat Oklahoma 67-59 in the first round. Reed wanted to keep his nameplate as a souvenir, but the press moderator reminded him they needed it for future press conferences. Reed was nervous but quickly made an impact during the game. He used a spin move to score and was active on defense, altering shots and helping teammates find open looks. Coach Dan Hurley praised Reed’s contribution, saying it showed his readiness for the tournament. In the same victory, center Samson Johnson set a team record for the most wins, becoming UConn's winningest player with 115 career victories. He performed well against Oklahoma, contributing eight points and six rebounds. UConn's win extended its NCAA Tournament winning streak to 13 games, matching Duke’s record. They aim to continue this success against Florida in the next round. Coach Hurley expressed hope that the support of Duke fans at the game would bring some positive energy, though Duke fans and UConn fans have a historic rivalry. Meanwhile, freshman Liam McNeeley, who struggled in his debut with only two field goals, is focused on improving his performance. He plans to play with more confidence in the upcoming game. Coach Hurley believes McNeeley has the talent to bounce back and make a significant impact.