Bouknight off his game in UConn swan song

Neill Ostrout, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·2 min read
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Mar. 22—The star of the UConn men's basketball wasn't at his brightest Saturday night in his NCAA Tournament debut, which will also turn out to be his collegiate finale.

James Bouknight scored 15 points for UConn in its 63-54 loss to Maryland in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. But the sophomore guard was 1-for-6 from beyond the 3-point arc and 2-for-6 from the free throw line in what was likely his final game for the Huskies.

Maryland guard Darryl Morsell, the Big Ten's defensive player of the year, was assigned with guarding Bouknight for most of the game.

"James is a young player. James is a sophomore player, which is still a young player in college basketball. This was a big spot. Morsell's an excellent defender," UConn coach Dan Hurley said. "Those guys who were guarding him today were, for the most part, physical juniors and seniors.

"I think he was a little bit indecisive at times. And I think overall as a group we showed our lack of experience in a moment like this."

Bouknight is almost certainly headed to the NBA, forgoing his final two years of eligibility at UConn.

Bouknight averaged 18.7 points per game this season. He scored 40 in his first Big East game, and helped UConn get off to a 5-1 start. But he injured his elbow and missed eight games after having surgery.

"Had a brilliant start. The injury obviously set him back," Hurley said. "James has meant so much to rebuilding this thing from the mess that it was to back playing in March again, where UConn belongs."

Rather than fault Bouknight for any shortcomings, Hurley credited the Terps' defensive stopper for his outstanding performance.

"Morsell is a beast. I love that guy. He's one of my favorite players in the country," Hurley said. "He does so much for them, even though he ends up with seven (points), seven (rebounds) and four (assists). That guy's just a winner, and a great player."

Neill covers UConn men's basketball and UConn football teams, and he keeps a finger on the pulse of Connecticut sports. For live game updates, and more insight into UConn athletics, player transfers, and team changes, follow Neill on Twitter: @NeillOstrout, Facebook: JINeillO, and Instagram: @NeillOstrout.