Newton records triple-double as No. 21 UConn downs No. 10 Marquette
Feb. 7—HARTFORD — It took Tristen Newton just 25 games to put his stamp on the UConn men's basketball team's record book.
The senior recorded his second triple-double of the season, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists as the 21st-ranked Huskies topped No. 10 Marquette 87-72 before an announced sellout crowd of 15,564 at the XL Center.
It's the 13th triple-double in program history.
Newton previously recorded a triple-double against Buffalo Nov. 15. He's the first player in program history to record multiple triple-doubles in a single season and just the second with multiple in their career, joining Shabazz Napier.
"It feels great," Newton said. "Amigos right here, they were going crazy hitting shots, boxing out. I was getting the rebounds. So, I just had the easy job of getting them the ball. So, all credit to them."
UConn (19-6, 8-6 Big East) began the game on a 24-8 run over the first 8:09, shooting 8-for-11 from the floor and 4-of-4 from beyond the arc during the run. In comparison, Marquette (19-6, 11-3) shot 4-for-13 from the field and 0-for-3 from deep during that span.
Jordan Hawkins had 11 points on the run, including opening the game with a made three as the shot expired.
"Obviously thrilled with the performance really start to finish against a team of Marquette's caliber," UConn coach Dan Hurley said. "It's just great to play a complete game and get back to that first-half defense and the rebounding domination on the glass."
The hosts' hot shooting continued throughout the first half, building a 32-12 lead thanks to a turnaround jumper from Adama Sanogo with 8:33 left in the half.
Marquette went on a mini 9-3 run over a 4:24 span late in the half to cut the score to 43-29 with five seconds left. But Nahiem Alleyne hit a three from half court at the buzzer to give UConn a 17-point lead at the break.
UConn finished the half shooting 54.8 percent (17-of-31) from the floor and 54.5 percent (6-for-11) from deep. Meanwhile, Marquette shot 36.7 percent (11-for-30) from the field and 16.7 percent (2-for-12) from beyond the arc.
Hawkins led all scorers with 14 points in the opening 20 minutes. Ben Gold was the only Golden Eagle in double-digits with 10.
UConn continued to pour it on to start the second, taking a 25-point lead, 69-44, thanks to a three from Hawkins with 10:39 to play.
But Marquette responded with a 15-6 run — including eight consecutive points — capped off by a layup by Tyler Kolek that made it 75-59 with 6:10 remaining.
UConn regained the momentum though when Alleyne converted an and-one play set up by a nice pass from Sanogo to make it 81-61 with 4:25 left.
Marquette freshman Chase Ross converted an and-one of his own that made it 83-67 with 2:58 to play, but it was too little too late.
"Congrats to UConn. Heck of a game," Marquette coach Shaka Smart said. "I don't know what the number is, but not a lot of teams come in here and win tonight the way that UConn did. In my opinion, they played just like they were playing when they were 14-0 and No. 2 in the country."
Hawkins finished with 20 points, six rebounds and two blocks while Sanogo had 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Alleyne and Alex Karaban each contributed 13 points.
Kolek paced Marquette with 17 points and four assists while Gold and Stevie Mitchell each had 12 points.
The Huskies return to action Saturday when they visit No. 23 Creighton. Tipoff at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska is set for 2 p.m. (WTIC-TV 61).
For coverage of UConn football and men's basketball as well as area high school and local youth sports, follow Adam Betz on Twitter: @AdBetz1, Facebook: Adam Betz — Sports Writer, and Instagram: @AdBetzJI.
