UConn's Dan Hurley Praises Taris Reed Jr.'s Dominant Performance Against St. John's

The Huskies' center scored 20 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked 6 shots in a blowout win over the Red Storm.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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UConn head coach Dan Hurley was very pleased with center Taris Reed Jr.'s dominant performance in the Huskies' 72-40 blowout win over St. John's on Wednesday night. Reed recorded a double-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 blocks, leading Hurley to declare that if Reed can replicate that effort, UConn will be tough to beat the rest of the way.

Why it matters

Reed's standout game comes at a crucial time for UConn, as they look to secure a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Huskies have already picked up several impressive wins over ranked opponents this season and are in contention for a No. 1 seed if they can continue their strong play.

The details

Reed was dominant in the paint, using his size and athleticism to control the game on both ends of the floor. Hurley praised Reed's 'presence at the rim' on defense, along with his rebounding, passing, and ability to score in the post. The coach believes Reed can replicate this type of performance, which would be a major boost for the Huskies as they gear up for the postseason.

  • UConn defeated St. John's 72-40 on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • UConn hosts Seton Hall on Saturday, February 29, 2026.
  • UConn plays at Marquette on March 7, 2026.
  • The Big East Tournament begins at Madison Square Garden in March 2026.

The players

Taris Reed Jr.

UConn's starting center who transferred from Michigan, scored 20 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked 6 shots in the win over St. John's.

Dan Hurley

UConn's head coach, who praised Reed's dominant performance and believes he can replicate it going forward.

Rick Pitino

Head coach of the St. John's Red Storm, who saw his team suffer a blowout loss to UConn.

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What they’re saying

“The thing with Taris is he could repeat that, and if he repeats that, we're not going to lose many more games the rest of the way.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies (Newsweek)

“If he does that [again], this team's gonna have a great rest of the way.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Huskies will host the Seton Hall Pirates on Saturday, February 29, 2026, and then play at Marquette on March 7, 2026, before beginning the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden in March.

The takeaway

Taris Reed Jr.'s dominant performance against St. John's showcases his potential to be a difference-maker for UConn as they make a push for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. If Reed can consistently replicate this type of effort, the Huskies will be a tough out for any opponent they face in the postseason.