Connecticut’s Calhoun Again Has to Leave During Game

Connecticut Coach Jim Calhoun felt lightheaded and left Saturday night’s game against Virginia Tech early in the second half with the assistance of a trainer.

Calhoun was taken to the locker room to be evaluated with 18:18 left in the game. Assistant Dave Leitao coached the team the rest of the game, with Connecticut winning, 85-72, to end a losing streak at five games. Calhoun was allowed to watch the game from the locker room.

Calhoun missed the second half of a game against Sacred Heart last season after becoming sick to his stomach. He also missed two games in the 1998-99 season with stomach problems.

Albert Mouring scored a career-high 31 points to lead Connecticut, 14-7 overall and 3-5 in the Big East Conference, to the victory. He made nine of 17 shots, including two three-point baskets in a 25-9 second-half run that helped the Huskies pull away.

Mouring also completed a six-point play in that run. Tempers flared after he was intentionally fouled by Joe Hamilton while dunking off a fastbreak. Hamilton and Brian Chase also drew technical fouls, resulting in Mouring making four free throws to give Connecticut a 62-47 lead.

Virginia Tech (8-12, 2-7) could get no closer than eight the rest of the way.

Connecticut also got 16 points from Caron Butler and 14 rebounds from Johnnie Selvie.

Chase led Virginia Tech with 16 points even though he didn’t take a shot until 8:48 remained in the first half.