NEW YORK, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Shabazz Napier scored 18 points to lead No. 19 Connecticut Friday and the Huskies narrowly avoided a stunning setback by edging Maryland 78-77.
The Terrapins overcame almost all of a 17-point deficit in the final 12 minutes and missed a chance to pull out a victory when Dez Wells could not connect a jumper with two seconds to play.
Amida Brimah grabbed the rebound for Connecticut and although he missed the front end of a 1-and-1 free throw opportunity, Maryland did not have enough time remaining to get off another shot.
The Huskies hurt themselves with free throw misses down the stretch in their season opener, but shot 52 percent from the field.
Omar Calhoun added 10 points for Connecticut.
Nick Faust paced Maryland with 17 points, but he made only 5-of-18 field goal attempts.
