UConn took a major blow before Wednesday night’s 71-67 loss to No. 4 Arizona. The Huskies were without senior center Tarris Reed Jr., its leading scorer and rebounder, as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
Reed, who is averaging 20 points and 9.3 rebounds, was ruled “game-to-game,” the school said in a statement. The 6-foot-11 St. Louis native had been dominant in recent outings, including 21 points and eight rebounds in Saturday’s win over No. 7 BYU at TD Garden.
His absence was felt against an Arizona frontcourt anchored by standout freshman Koa Peat and top rebounder Tobe Awaka.
Reed also missed the season opener and both preseason exhibitions with a hamstring injury but had started the past three games before Wednesday.
UConn remains shorthanded with Reed's status being the latest setback for Dan Hurley's team. The Huskies have time to bounce back with Bryant next up. But back-to-back ranked matchups with No. 8 Illinois and No. 24 Kansas will be key.
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