UConn guard Tristen Newton made history when the fifth-ranked Huskies beat Manhattan 90-60 Friday afternoon, and UConn’s game against visiting New Hampshire on Monday could be one for the history books, too.
Newton had 15 points, a career-high 13 assists and 10 rebounds against Manhattan. It was the third triple-double of his UConn career, the most by any player in the program’s history.
Newton had two triple-doubles last season, his first with the Huskies after transferring from East Carolina. Shabazz Napier recorded two triple-doubles during his UConn career. No other player in the program’s history has more than one.
“I think it just speaks to the level of play that he (Newton) has,” UConn guard Cam Spencer said. “He’s able to score, to pass and get his teammates involved. But then, the rebounding is very impressive. I think he leads us in rebounds right now.
“A triple-double is no joke, in a college game, especially. Unbelievable job by him.”
The victory over Manhattan was UConn’s 23rd consecutive double-digit win over a non-conference opponent, tying a record set by North Carolina from 2008-10. Newton and the Huskies (6-0) can break that record by beating New Hampshire (4-2).
Newton steams into the matchup averaging 15.3 points per game and a team-high 7.8 rebounds per game.
“I think he’s the best rebounding guard in the country,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said. “He’s a well-rounded guard offensively. He can make 3’s, drive the ball, he’s a tremendous passer. He’s got a true resume.
“In sports, we used to value winning and championships over just the raw numbers. Unfortunately in basketball, especially at the NBA level, it’s all about numbers. … We used to celebrate the champions more. This is a champion that is averaging (15.3 points) per game, triple-doubles. He should be talked about as one of the best guards in the country.”
Nathan Davis is in his first season as New Hampshire head coach. He previously served as the head coach at Bucknell.
Davis was able to persuade 6-foot-6 forward Clarence Daniels to remain at New Hampshire for his final season. Daniels, who entered the transfer portal when former New Hampshire coach Bill Herrion did not have his contract renewed, was the No. 4 scorer (15.3 ppg) in the America East Conference last season, when he finished eighth nationally in rebounds per game (10.7).
Daniels, who leads the team in scoring (20.8) and rebounding (9.0) through six games this season, said he passed on opportunities from several Power Five schools.
“At that level, you could easily get lost in the shuffle if you don’t pick the right school,” he said. “That’s one reason I stayed here. It all sounded good, but how do I know? You can easily be replaced. Here I know I’ll be a priority.”
New Hampshire’s losses this season came against Syracuse (83-72) and George Washington (79-67). The Wildcats are coming off Friday’s 83-80 victory over Fairfield. Guard Naim Miller scored a career-high 20 points in the victory, and forward Jaxson Baker added 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Including Newton, UConn has three players who are averaging at least 15.0 points per game this season. Spencer (16.2) and Alex Karaban (16.0) are the others.
–Field Level Media