When UConn needed a spark Tuesday night, a former Dallas-area standout answered the call.
Liam McNeeley willed the Huskies to a 70-66 win over No. 24 Creighton on Tuesday, helping UConn erase what was a 14-point deficit late in the first half. According to ESPN, McNeeley (38 points) became the first freshman to have 35+ points in a Big East conference game since 2007.
McNeeley and the Huskies found their footing after halftime in Omaha, holding Creighton to 30% shooting in the second half. The freshman forward took over as the game wound down, scoring 23 of his 38 points while hitting four 3-pointers after the break.
He also came down with 10 rebounds, posting his fourth double-double of the 2024-25 season.
UConn freshman Liam McNeeley GOES OFF on the road against Creighton 🔥
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) February 12, 2025
The freshman scored more than half of his team's points in a win 😳
38 PTS | 12-22 FG | 5-10 3PT | 10 REB pic.twitter.com/sfIOQNuwwT
For Dallas-area basketball fans, McNeeley’s dominance at the collegiate level may be a familiar sight. McNeeley built up his skills at two D-FW programs as a high schooler, spending his freshman season at Richardson Pearce before leading John Paul II to a TAPPS 6A state title as a sophomore.
McNeeley then transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida to close out his high school career. He was one of the nation’s top recruits in the class of 2024, choosing Dan Hurley’s Connecticut program over offers from programs like Kansas, Texas and Alabama.
McNeeley and the Huskies now sit at 17-7 and 9-4 in Big East play. UConn is looking to keep pace with St. John’s, Creighton and Marquette at the top of the conference’s standings.
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