Cooper Called it Take UConn

 

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Kemba Walker had a career-high 29 points to go with eight rebounds, and the struggling Connecticut Huskies snapped out of their funk and stunned third-ranked Villanova, 84-75, at Wachovia Center.

Walker went 3-of-7 from three-point range for a team that ranks out of the top-100 in three-point shooting, as Connecticut (15-11, 5-8 Big East) won for the first time since head coach Jim Calhoun returned from a seven-game medical leave. The Huskies lost to Cincinnati in his first game back on Saturday.

Connecticut's struggles date back to the start of conference play, as the team had been 0-6 in true road games and 1-5 in its last six contests overall. Monday's victory marked the first road win for the school since February 25, 2009 at Marquette and halted what would have been a third three-game losing streak this season.

Jerome Dyson added 15 points and six assists for UConn, which went 5-of-13 overall from long distance in the game. Stanley Robinson and Alex Oriakhi each scored 10 in a victory that could go a long way toward the Huskies' NCAA Tournament hopes.

Scottie Reynolds had 18 points to lead the Wildcats (22-3, 11-2), who lost their first game at home this season in 12 games and squandered a chance to take a one-game lead over Syracuse in the conference standings.

Corey Fisher contributed with 14 points, while Antonio Pena had 10 before fouling out, as Villanova got into quick foul trouble throughout the game. The undisciplined play allowed UConn to attempt 44 free throws, of which they made 35.