Are Turnover Troubles Holding UConn Men's Basketball Back?

There is no doubt that this UConn Men's Basketball team does not look like the same teams that won back-to-back National Championships, and that boils down to not having the strongest guards on the court or coming off the bench.

In a 68-62 loss to #12 St. John's on Friday, UConn committed 22 turnovers. That is more turnovers than field goals made all game (20). In two straight games versus ranked opponents, UConn has committed a total of 47 turnovers. Dan Hurley spoke on this postgame:

"I don't think we are a great dribbling team. We don't have a backup point guard we are comfortable with."

Hurley confirmed late Friday night that starting PG, Hassan Diarra, has been "hobbled" with a knee soreness that is limiting him back in practices. Ahmad Nowell has been out with an ankle injury the last few weeks as well.

Liam McNeeley was back for the Huskies after missing eight games, saying, "It's a blessing to be back and I'm very happy to be back out there, but I'm not happy anymore." He finished with his third career double-double posting 18 points and 11 rebounds. It is tough to come back from injury to play the number 12 team in the country, but Liam will have to step up and play that role as the ball handler to create opportunities for his teammates.

St. John's has a very physical defense, one that plays all up on you due to the lack of point guards that can beat someone one-on-one. UConn had a lot of turnovers in the backcourt, allowing St. John's to score 18 points off of turnovers alone.

Going deeper into the season, into the Big East Tournament, and March Madness, UConn needs to find their guy that can break pressures and create space.