UConn Basketball Bounces Back Against UMES: 3 Takeaways

UConn basketball ended a 3-game skid by defeating UMES 99-45.

It’s a phrase that no one has probably said before, but UConn basketball was thrilled to get out of Maui and back to Hartford. Following a disastrous three-game stretch at the Maui Invitational, UConn bounced back with a much-needed win over Maryland Eastern Shore.

Although it didn’t look pretty at times, UConn basketball was able to comfortably win without Alex Karaban who was out with a concussion. Jaylin Stewart filled in for the team leader and logged his first career start.

Playing against a Maryland Eastern Shore team that was ranked 361^st out of 364 teams in KenPom makes the game results hard to gauge but we’re going to try, anyways. Here are three takeaways from the game.

Back in the win column. pic.twitter.com/9ITzbNQHZr

— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) December 1, 2024

Takeaway #1: No Karaban, no problem

Losing a key player in the rotation is never ideal, but UConn basketball made due with the cards they were dealt. After Karaban suffered a concussion near the conclusion of the Maui Tournament, it was assumed they would be without their best player for their next game.

The offense struggled to score at times without Karaban’s screening and cutting, most notably going through a stretch where they went scoreless for over six minutes of game time in the first half. But this this is something that can be beneficial in the long run by forcing other players to step up to fill the void.

Ahmad Nowell, Jaylin Stewart, Isaiah Abraham and Jayden Ross all received extending minutes and looked to gain confidence in their increased playmaking roles. This resulted in an offensive explosion in the second half where UConn scored 59 points. Ideally this will help the team improve as the season goes on when Karaban returns and will allow him to find more open shots.

The teams in previous seasons benefited from early season injuries to Andre Jackson, Samson Johnson, Stephon Castle, and Jordan Hawkins which allowed the bench players to gain valuable minutes. It was because of the experience they gained on the court that allowed them to step up when their numbers were called.

The biggest question is, who will step up to the plate and deliver a signature Joey Calcaterra vs Georgetown or Jaylin Stewart in the Big East Championship performance when this team desperately needs it? Only time will tell.

Takeaway #2: Board man gets paid

One of the surprising takeaways from the Maui Tournament was how putrid UConn basketball was on the glass. Getting outrebounded by Dayton 25-41 was almost unfathomable for a team that has always prided itself on their ability to rebound.

Coach Hurley must have made that a point of emphasis as they prepared for UMES as they were crashing the boards like their lives depended on it. Winning the rebounding battle 48-23 was the proof of that.

Hopefully for UConn’s sake this becomes a trend and is not solely based on their matchup. UMES does not have the height to match up with UConn, their tallest starter is only 6’ 8.” Regardless of the opponent however, the players for UConn showed the determination and ability to rebound.

What was most impressive was the tenacity of Tarris Reed, Jaylin Stewart, and Jayden Ross on the offensive glass as the trio combined for eight offensive rebounds. The true test will be how much will carryover against a much tougher Baylor team in their next game.

Takeaway #3: Aidan Mahaney finds his stroke

One of the most touted transfer portal players in the nation was Aidan Mahaney. That’s why his slow start in Storrs has come to a surprise to many of the UConn basketball faithful. He came into the game averaging just 4.1 points on 31.1% shooting while only registering 1.9 assists per game. This is a huge drop-off for a player who averaged 13.9 points on much more efficient shooting during his first 2 seasons at Saint Mary’s.

Aidan Mahaney finally appeared to look more comfortable in the offense against UMES, registering 11 points, 4 assists, and only 1 turnover. All it takes is seeing a couple of balls go through the hoop for a player as talented as Aidan Mahaney to get going. Although shooting 3-6 from the field and 4-5 from the free throw line might not jump off of the box score, it can go a long way to turning his season around.

UConn basketball is going to need Mahaney to be a a shooting threat to fully unlock the potential of the offense. This game may be the turning point where Mahaney has finally adjusted to the faster-paced UConn offense.

Next up for UConn (5-3): vs. #17 Baylor (5-2) on Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. EST

Next up for UMES (2-9): vs. Longwood (6-2) on Dec. 5 at 7:00 p.m. EST