Liam McNeeley Stats: How did UConn star fare vs Xavier? (Dec. 18)
UConn star Liam McNeeley delivered a critical performance to help No. 11 UConn secure a 94-89 win over Xavier on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-7 freshman stood out in the Huskies' first conference game at the XL Center. In 21 minutes of play, McNeeley recorded 14 points, three rebounds and four assists. He shot 4-of-8 from the field and converted all five of his free throws.
After scoring a season-high 26 points in UConn’s win over No. 8 Gonzaga on Saturday, McNeeley struggled in the first half, going scoreless in just seven minutes of play. He missed three field goal attempts and picked up his second foul midway through the half, which led to a 12-0 Xavier run.
McNeeley rebounded after halftime, starting with a mid-range jumper and putting up eight points within six minutes. He stayed poised under pressure, sinking two crucial free throws with 12.6 seconds left in regulation to give the Huskies a 78-76 lead.
In the final moments of regulation, McNeeley slipped while driving along the perimeter, but no foul was called on Jerome Hunter. The ball ended with Solo Ball, whose three-point attempt narrowly missed, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra period, McNeeley played a pivotal role, dishing out two key assists for layups by Tarris Reed Jr. The Huskies outscored the Musketeers 16-11 in overtime to clinch the victory.
UConn Battles to Thrilling Win Over Xavier
No. 11 UConn secured a gritty victory in front of a packed crowd of 15,684 at the XL Center during their league opener. All five Husky starters scored in double figures, with three players tallying at least 20 points in a game marked by 11 ties and 22 lead changes.
Solo Ball led the team with 22 points, while Tarris Reed Jr. recorded a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Hassan Diarra contributed 12 points and 11 assists. Alex Karaban added 20 points and five rebounds, bouncing back with 3-of-8 shooting from three after missing all seven of his attempts in the previous game against No. 8 Gonzaga.
Despite Xavier making five more 3-pointers and shooting a higher field goal percentage, UConn excelled in other areas. The Huskies were nearly perfect from the free-throw line, going 20-of-21. Ball (7-7), Reed Jr. (6-6) and Liam McNeeley (5-5) made all their attempts. UConn also held a 35-27 advantage in rebounds, a 21-9 edge in assists and a 10-2 lead in blocked shots.
Up next, the Huskies will play their final game of 2024 on the road against Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Saturday, Dec. 21. Tip-off is at noon, and the game will air on Peacock and the UConn Sports Network from Learfield - FOX Sports 97.9 FM.