Ryan Boatright and Sam Cassell Jr. continue to shine during UConn's exhibition games, and helped the 17th-ranked Huskies defeat Assumption, 68-59 on Sunday afternoon. The backcourt duo combined for 35 points while freshman Daniel Hamilton added 12 points and 12 rebounds (all on the defensive end).
"He was a bright spot," coach Kevin Ollie said of Hamilton after the game. "He has a point guard mindset. He can make passes. He just has vision and he's a great rebounder. He's a great player once he starts settling down and is more consistent on the defensive end. But I can't find fault in his game in the last two games, because his energy has been great. He's going to keep getting better and better because he's obsessive for approval. He's in the gym every day. And that's what we want from our basketball players."
The Huskies led 33-25 at the half. Assumption got it to within five points before eventually losing by nine. UConn outrebounded Assumption, 35-34, and committed 14 turnovers.
"Rodney (Purvis) had five in 16 minutes (and) a couple of charges," Ollie said. "We've got to have him take care of the ball a little better if he's going to be out there. I think he was just trying to go through too many people, but that's something we can correct. Daniel did a great job with six assists and no turnovers. Boatright was four assists and no turnovers. I'll take that any day."
The next time the Huskies take the floor it will be for the regular-season opener when they host Bryant University on Friday.
