UConn coach praises and recommends Jackson State's Tomekia Reed

After UConn's 86-64 NCAA Tournament win over No. 14 Jackson State, coach Geno Auriemma praised Jackson State's program and said coach Tomekia Reed deserves more recognition from larger schools.

UConn beat No. 14 Jackson State 86-64 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Jackson State took an early 4-2 lead before UConn answered with a 17-0 run. The Huskies led 49-28 at halftime after strong ball movement and shot selection by Aaliyah Edwards, Ashlynn Shade and Paige Bueckers. After the game, Geno Auriemma spoke warmly of Jackson State and of coach Tomekia Reed's work. Game details: - Final score: UConn 86, Jackson State 64 in first-round NCAA Tournament play. - Jackson State opened 4-2; UConn responded with a 17-0 run and led 49-28 at halftime. - Jackson State senior Ti'lan Boler led her team with 25 points and three rebounds; Angel Jackson had 13 points and four rebounds in her final game at Jackson State. - Shooting and rebounds: Jackson State shot 32.8% from the floor; UConn shot 50% and 37.5% from three and outrebounded Jackson State 46 to 38. - After the game, Auriemma said he was "really impressed by them" and called them "exceptionally well coached," and he said Reed should receive more recognition from larger programs. Summary: Auriemma's comments highlighted coaching at Jackson State even as the team left the tournament in the first round. UConn advances to face the winner of No. 6 Syracuse and No. 11 Arizona. Undetermined at this time if comments will prompt further attention to coaching hires at larger programs.