Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

UConn star puts up the most eye-popping stat line to open NCAA Tournament

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Mar 21, 2026 9:10 AM ET

The ghost of Wilt Chamberlain took control of UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. on Friday night to kick off his team’s NCAA Tournament run.

The 5-seed Huskies took on the 13-seed Paladins in a surprisingly competitive matchup at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pa. UConn held the advantage nearly wire-to-wire, but never built a lead larger than 14 points.

UConn needed all the production that Reed could give them, and the senior big man had a lot to give against Furman. Reed erupted for a stunning double-double of 31 points and 27 rebounds. He shot a stellar 12/15 from the field and made 7/9 free throws across 35 minutes.

Tarris Reed tonight vs. Furman:

31 PTS
27 REB
12-15 FG

A HISTORIC night for the @UConnMBB big man #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/Ue6PnpIN0P
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 21, 2026

The performance came out of nowhere, as Reed had never scored more than 24 points or grabbed more than 18 rebounds in a game. He entered the game averaging 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds across 29 games.

Reed outrebounded the entire Furman team by himself, 27-23, which is extra impressive considering the Paladins fielded one of the tallest lineups in the country. Reed’s muscle-flexing performance helped power UConn to an 82-71 win.

Reed became the first player since Elvin Hayes in 1968 to post a 30-25 game in the NCAA Tournament. It may take another few decades before we see the next one.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: