NEW YORK, NY – The Huskies led all game but had to bear down late to hold off a determined Cyclone comeback, as Connecticut held on to defeat Iowa State 81-76 in a Sweet 16 East Regional matchup.
In the first NCAA Tournament game at Madison Square Garden in 53 years, UCONN was led by forward DeAndre Daniels, who scored 27 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Guards Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright added 19 and 16 points, respectively, to help pace the Husky sled.
The performance of the night, though, came from Cyclones forward Dustin Hogue, who scored 34 points on a super-efficient 15-of-19 shooting from the field.
Kevin Ollie’s squad will take on the winner of Virginia and Michigan State in an Elite 8 contest on Sunday.
Ian Eagle and John Thompson called the action on WestwoodOne Sports.
