UConn hold Purdue to two threes and finish preseason unbeaten
UConn beat Purdue 76-53 in Hartford to complete a three-win exhibition schedule. Colben Landrew led the Huskies with 15 points, while Purdue made only two of 25 attempts from three-point range. Four UConn players reached double figures, and the hosts carried their early lead through to the final buzzer.
Sports··Midday
UConn finish three exhibitions without a loss
UConn, the University of Connecticut’s men’s basketball team, defeated Purdue 76-53 in Hartford in the United States on Tuesday. The game at PeoplesBank Arena completed UConn’s preseason exhibition schedule with three victories. Colben Landrew led four Huskies in double figures with 15 points in 18 minutes off the bench. The hosts had also beaten Syracuse and Michigan State during the same preparation period.[1], [2]
Purdue made 20 of 61 shots from the field and only two of 25 three-point attempts. UConn finished with nine steals and four blocks, while Nik Khamenia collected a team-high 11 rebounds. The Huskies recorded 18 assists on 25 baskets. UConn’s advantage in transition scoring was 17-5, and the home bench contributed 29 points against Purdue’s 17.[1], [2]
Ross starts the run and Landrew extends it
Jayden Ross hit two early three-pointers to put UConn ahead after Purdue’s opening lead. The Huskies moved 19-7 in front during the first half and later reached 31-13 after a Silas Demary Jr. steal and score followed by a Na’jai Hines basket inside. Ross scored 11 before the break as UConn took a 35-20 half-time advantage.[1], [2]
Purdue cut the gap early in the second half, but UConn responded. A Landrew three-pointer helped extend the lead to 47-28, and the freshman continued scoring as the margin passed 20 points. He finished with six makes from ten shots, including two three-pointers. UConn’s lead reached 30 late in the game before coach Dan Hurley removed his starters and used the deeper rotation.[1], [2]
Four players share the scoring load
Ross finished with 13 points. Oskar Giltay supplied 12 on five-of-six shooting as another effective reserve, while Demary Jr. added ten points, five assists and four steals. Hines contributed nine points and six rebounds despite early foul trouble. Braylon Mullins made his first live appearance of the year, starting the game and finishing with seven points and four first-half assists.[1], [2]
The exhibition did not count towards the teams’ official series. UConn’s regular season is scheduled to open against Gardner-Webb on November 2 at PeoplesBank Arena. In the three preseason games, the Huskies outscored their opponents by an average of 17 points and held them to a combined 34.4 per cent shooting from the field.[1]
