UConn on Upset Alert? Fans Sound Off As Tarris Reed Jr. Keys Close Win vs. Furman in March Madness<b

The UConn Huskies held off the Furman Paladins' upset bid in the final game of the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

The Huskies won 82-71, but the game was closer than the final score suggests for a good amount of the second half.

Tarris Reed was the difference-maker for UConn. The big man put up 31 points and hauled in 27 rebounds.

Furman's downfall was its inability to cover Reed and turnovers. The Paladins committed 11 turnovers, some of which came at a crucial part of the second half.

UConn, who was without starting point guard Silas Demary, shot 20 percent from three-point range and allowed Furman to get to the free-throw line on 26 occasions.

UConn needs a better overall performance against the UCLA Bruins on Sunday to land in the Sweet 16.