BY ALEJANDRO LOPEZ
One of UConn’s key players could make a return in time for the Huskies matchup against the defending national champions.
UConn head coach Dan Hurley is calling big man Tarris Reed Jr’s status before their matchup with No. 18 Florida a game-time decision after Reed participated in practice the last two days. He missed UConn’s previous two games.
The 6-foot-10 big man will be a key player in a matchup against a good Florida front court featuring Thomas Haugh.
The Huskies were eliminated by Florida in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season, a loss that Hurley says he doesn’t dwell on much anymore.
“It didn’t make me too sad,” Hurley said. “It made me realize how worthy of a champion they were.”
Tuesday’s matchup between the Huskies and the Gators at Madison Square Garden for the Jimmy V Classic will feature the winner of the last three national titles. Hurley expects both teams to be in the mix to win it all once again this season.
“The Florida Gators are going to have a lot to say about that,” Hurley said about this years national championship contenders. “The last two national champions playing [in the Jimmy V Classic], it’s special.”
The last time Reed took the court for the Huskies they dominated Illinois at Madison Square Garden.
He is averaging 15.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game this season.
UConn and Florida will tip-off at 9 p.m. EST at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night for the Jimmy V Classic.
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