By Jeff Lemmon
In the 100th all-time meeting between UConn and Maine, the Huskies (1-0) hit the century mark on the scoreboard with a commanding 100-56 win over the Black Bears (0-1).
Sterling Gibbs led the team with 20 points. (Image Credit: Alyssa Hughes)
Eleven players scored at least two points for Connecticut, and four of them finished in double figures. Sterling Gibbs led the way with a game-high 20 points, and Amida Brimah, who finished with a career high nine blocks on the defensive end, was not far behind with 18 points of his own. Shonn Miller earned his 19th career double-double after tallying 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Rodney Purvis cracked into double figures with a late free throw, finishing with 10 points.
This was UConn’s first 100-point game since last year’s 106-85 matchup with Coppin State at the XL Center in mid-December. In this year’s season opener, the Huskies shot nearly 55% from the floor and also managed to knock down 23 of their 32 free throw attempts. The offense worked at warp speed and scored nearly 60 points in the second half. Their 12-point halftime lead blossomed to 42 after the Husky defense held Maine to just four points over the first 10:35 of the second half.
Shonn Miller finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. (Image Credit: Santiago Pelaez)
UConn’s defense also rejected 15 shots, the most they’ve had in a game since they swatted 16 against these same Maine Black Bears in 2009. They forced 14 turnovers and held Maine to just 30% shooting from the field. Kevin Little, Maine’s top returning scorer from last season, was held in check too. He shot just 3-12 from the floor and was held scoreless in the second half.
Amida Brimah took every opportunity, finishing with 18 points and nine blocks. (Image Credit: Santiago Pelaez)
The Huskies pushed their record to 84-29 across the 113 season openers they’ve played since 1901. In season openers that have taken place at Gampel Pavilion, UConn is 27-0. The team will be back in action at their on-campus facility next Tuesday when they take on New Hampshire at 7:00 PM in the second game of the season. We will have live coverage of that game on our online WHUS Sports stream.