Dan Hurley and the UConn coaching staff didn't hold back with Tarris Reed Jr. after their tough loss to Creighton. Reed's errors were highlighted as the team reviewed one of their most challenging defensive outings of the season. But Reed bounced back with what Hurley called “his best game as a UConn player” during their victory at Villanova, driven by the sting of their previous defeat.
Reed's stats-11 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in 23 minutes-might not jump off the page, but his impact was undeniable. "I felt like I was moving really well, really active in the gaps," Reed reflected.
"Watching the film back, being ultra-active, helping out my teammates. That felt like one of my best games here."
Hurley praised Reed’s defensive prowess, noting his ball-screen defense and rim protection as standout elements against Villanova’s talented center, Duke Brennan. Now, Reed faces a new challenge against St. John’s star Zuby Ejiofor, a player who’s been a force in the Big East.
Ejiofor nearly recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in their last meeting, a game St. John’s won 81-72.
"You couldn’t build Ejiofor up more than we had," Hurley said. "He leads his team in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks.
He’s tenacious, one of the most tenacious players in the country."
Reed relishes the challenge. "It’s a fun challenge, two good bigs in the Big East.
It’s always good to go against competitive players like Zuby," Reed said. "They got us last time at their place, now they have to come here.
It’s gonna be a tough, gritty game, and that’s what you want as a competitor. I’ve just got to go out there and dominate."
UConn’s hopes hinge on Reed and the team’s ability to defend the paint against St. John’s formidable frontcourt trio of Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins, and Dillon Mitchell.
"For us, it’s about winning the game," Hurley emphasized. "If he outplays Ejiofor, that obviously helps our chances."
The stakes are clear for UConn. A loss would almost certainly end their shot at the Big East regular-season title.
St. John’s stands at 15-1 in conference play, while UConn is 15-2.
"It’s a big focus for us," said captain Alex Karaban. "We know St.
John’s is at the top, and we’ve got to win to keep our hopes alive. Coach has emphasized these are playoff games for us now."
Even if UConn wins out, they need St. John’s to drop two of their last three games to share the top spot.
"When it’s all said and done, what you did in March is what everyone talks about," Hurley noted. "But the true testament of a team is the regular season’s resiliency and fortitude."
Jayden Ross has embraced his role as a defensive spark off the bench. "It’s a lot of pride," Ross said.
"I’ve got to come into the game and impact it positively. If I’m able to get stops and produce offense, I feel really good about my game."