Calhoun returns after eight-game absence

Mar 3, 2012 - 8:39 PM Storrs, CT (Sports Network) - Connecticut men's basketball coach Jim Calhoun was back on the sideline for Saturday's regular-season finale against Pittsburgh after recovering from back surgery performed earlier this week.

Calhoun had been suffering from spinal stenosis and Monday's procedure in New York City included the removal of a disk fragment that was pressing on a spinal nerve.

The Huskies were just 3-5 under associate coach George Blaney after Calhoun took a medical leave of absence in early February, but responded to the Hall of Fame coach's return and claimed a 74-65 triumph over the Panthers.

Calhoun is expected to be with the Huskies when they head to New York next week to begin defense of their Big East Tournament title. UConn's hopes of defending its national championship from a year ago could depend on another lengthy run at Madison Square Garden.

The Huskies are just 18-12 overall this season and finished 8-10 in the Big East.