Cam Spencer leads UConn men’s basketball to romp over MVSU

UConn Huskies Face Mississippi Valley State

HARTFORD — While the Champions Classic in Chicago took center stage Tuesday night with Duke vs. Michigan State and Kentucky vs. Kansas, the defending champions UConn men’s basketball team were set to play Mississippi Valley State at XL Center. Despite a lopsided 87-53 win over the Delta Devils, UConn’s performance left its head coach Dan Hurley visibly frustrated. Hurley openly criticized his team’s performance and expressed dissatisfaction with their soft play on the boards, despite outrebounding Mississippi Valley 41-30.

The Huskies’ lackluster start against the Delta Devils kept things level until a 9-0 run late in the first half helped UConn take a commanding 44-27 lead. Cam Spencer emerged as the standout performer, scoring a game-high 25 points, with seven of them coming from 3-pointers. Notable absence of starting guard Stephon Castle due to a knee issue forced freshman Solomon Ball into the starting lineup. UConn’s superior size and talent eventually secured the win, though Hurley was unimpressed with the contributions of UConn’s veterans during the game. Hurley is looking for more from his team, especially with tough games against Indiana and potentially No. 19 Texas on the horizon.

The frustrating night culminated in a plea from Hurley, emphasizing the need for toughness, spirits, and harder play. There’s no denying Hurley’s high expectations for the defending champions, and it’s clear the team has much to improve upon if they aim to continue their winning ways.

(Photo: AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.