STORRS, Conn. (AP) Dan Hurley had a successful coaching debut at UConn Thursday as his Huskies opened their season with an 80-70 win over Morehead State.
Josh Carlton scored 17 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Jalen Adams scored 16 points and Alterique Gilbert added 15 for the Huskies, who led by just four points at halftime.
Lamontray Harris had 16 points and Malek Green 14 for Morehead State.
The student section in Gampel Pavilion held up letters that spelled out "Hello Hurley" and cheered loudly as the new coach made his way to the bench before the game.
The 45-year-old, who led Rhode Island to NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his last two seasons, remained on his feet the entire game, gesturing and yelling for the Huskies to push the ball or urging the crowd to stand up and cheer.
His team's new aggressive style was on display from the opening tip when Adams dove to floor to force a tie-up and a turnover as his new coach applauded.
UConn, coming off a disappointing 14-18 season, never trailed. They led by as many as 13 in the first half and 16 in the second, but had to weather several Morehead State runs. >> Read More
Copyright 2018 by the Associated Press