The UConn Huskies student section were preparing themselves to storm the court against the #7 Texas Longhorns with just seconds remaining. Unfortunately Jonathan Holmes had other plans for them.
Holmes’ three-pointer with two seconds left gave the Longhorns a 55-54 win over the #24 Huskies in front of a sold-out crowd and nationally televised audience at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, CT on Sunday afternoon.
Texas coach Rick Barnes drew up a play that called for them to go for a two but the first option was covered. As Holmes cut towards the ball, UConn guard Ryan Boatright‘s ankle gave out for the second time, leaving Holmes wide open to nail the game winner.
“They just executed a good play at the end,” UConn coach Kevin Ollie said. “We called a time out. We wanted to switch everything and guard in the corner.”
“I think Boatright rolled his ankle and couldn’t get out to Holmes, and Daniel got caught. A great execution play by them.”
Boatright led the Huskies (3-2) with 24 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Daniel Hamilton added 13 points and seven rebounds while Kentan Facey led the team with eight rebounds while scoring four points.
Holmes led the Longhorns (6-0) with 13 points and eight rebounds. Demarcus Holland and Javan Felix both chipped in with 10 points apiece.
UConn is back in action on Friday night before breaking for final exams as they’ll take on the Yale Bulldogs at Gampel. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Texas Longhorns @ UConn Huskies 11/30/14 box score
Here are the postgame quotes from UConn head coach Kevin Ollie and select players.
Here are UConn’s postgame notes.
More video from ESPN.
photo credit: ©2014 Ian Bethune
