Calhoun returns to UConn's bench

STORRS, Conn., March 3 (UPI) -- University of Connecticut men's basketball Coach Jim Calhoun returned to the bench Saturday after an eight-game absence due to back surgery.

The procedure for spinal stenosis was performed Monday in New York and included the removal of a disk fragment that was pressing on a spinal nerve.

The Huskies (18-12, 8-10 Big East) stumbled to a 3-5 record in Calhoun's absence as associate coach George Blaney ran the team.

But the defending national champions responded to the head coach's return Saturday with a 74-65 triumph over Pittsburgh.