University of Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

No. 18 UConn extends winning streak after victory over No. 8 Gonzaga

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Dec 14, 2024 10:27 PM ET

After an 0-3 showing in the Maui Invitational, things seemed dire for UConn basketball.

Dan Hurley has gotten his squad turned around and the Huskies prevailed in a back-and-forth battle against Gonzaga on Saturday night.

DAWG EAT DOG WORLD @keybank pic.twitter.com/xqWTZZq4lH
— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) December 15, 2024

Liam McNeeley was unquestionably the star of the night. He finished with 26 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The 26 points are well above his season average of 12.4 points per game.

The UConn benched outscored the other four starters 26-25. 22 of those 26 points came from Tarris Reed Jr. (12) and Jaylin Stewart (10).

Via @ESPNStatsInfo: Liam McNeeley becomes just the fourth UConn player since the 1996-97 season to post 25+ points and 0 turnovers against a ranked opponent, and the first since Shabazz Napier in 2012.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) December 15, 2024

The loss for the Zags was their second straight against a ranked opponent, with the first of those two coming to Kentucky seven days ago.

Khalif Battle was excellent for Gonzaga, scoring 21 points on 6-12 shooting from the field and 4-of-6 from three.

Ryan Nembhard added 16 points, and seven assists and Michael Ajayi had 14 points and six rebounds.

Bang! Bang! @khalifbattle24 on the money for @ZagMBB pic.twitter.com/hOfSZDq309
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) December 15, 2024

UConn will roll into conference play beginning Wednesday with a matchup against Xavier at home.

Gonzaga gets two very winnable games at home against Nicholls and Bucknell.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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