New York – When in trouble, UConn has the luxury of several reliable options to go to for a basket.

Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer delivered in the clutch in Friday’s Big East tournament semifinal game at Madison Square Garden.

First, Newton took charge, scoring 20 of his team-high 25 points in the first half. Then Spencer grabbed the scoring baton, firing in half of his 20 points overall after intermission.

Good thing both veteran guards were on their games.

UConn needed the pair’s firepower to hold off fifth-seeded St. John’s, 95-90, and advanced to the finals on Saturday night for the first time in 13 years.

“When the game starts getting closer, you just want to go make a play, get an offensive rebound or impact the game defensively, or just do little things like that,” Spencer said. “Whatever you can do to help the team win is all I’m focused on.”

Both All-Big East first team selections, Spencer and Newton turned in strong all-around performances.

Spencer set a career-high for assists for the second straight game, finishing with nine and giving him 17 in two games. He went 5 for 10 from the field, including 4 for 5 from three.

He enjoys playing in big games.

“I’m a competitor, so I love these environments,” Spencer said. “The greater the atmosphere, I feel like you have to raise your level.

Newton also chipped in nine assists and six rebounds while going 6 for 11 from the field, 10 for 12 from the foul line.

Their teammates appreciate their big game contributions.

“Tristen was an absolute dog,” sophomore Donovan Clingan said. “Without him in the first half, I don’t know if we win that game today. He was finishing at the rim, knocking down threes. He puts the work in and he’s a big time player, the best guard in the country.

“And with Cam, he’s an absolute killer. He just wants to win so bad. He will do anything it takes. He stepped up to the shots when it mattered. He’s just a team player and a winner.”

A homecoming for Diarra

Hassan Diarra is basically playing in his backyard this week at Madison Square Garden.

A 6-2 senior guard, Diarra is from Queens.

He had about 15 family members and friends in the crowd for Thursday’s quarterfinal win.

“I’ve got a whole barrage of people,” Diarra said on Thursday.

Diarra is enjoying his best season at UConn. He earned the Big East sixth man award, averaging 5.8 points and 3.0 rebounds.

His brother Mamadou is the director of player development on Hurley’s staff.

Any game in the Garden is a meaningful one for the Diarra family.

“It never gets old playing here,” Diarra said. “This is home. I love the electricity in this building. It’s truly, truly, truly special to play in Madison Square Garden and to wear a UConn jersey in Madison Square Garden.”

Diarra finished with 10 points in 21 minutes on Friday.

UConn to play Gonzaga

UConn will be back at MSG, always known as Storrs South by Husky Fans, next season, facing Gonzaga on Dec. 14 in a Hall of Fame series game.

The two teams played on Dec. 15 in Seattle, with the Huskies winning, 76-63.

It will be the eighth meeting overall in the series. UConn holds a 5-2 lead, winning three of the last four.

The Huskies went 4-0 at their third home – Gampel Pavilion and the XL Center are the others – during the regular season, beating St. John’s, North Carolina, Indiana and Texas at MSG.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame series game will go on sale in May.

Hurley, Newton Naismith semifinalists

The honors keep rolling in for the Huskies.

Hurley and veteran guard Tristen Newton were selected as semifinalists for the Naismith coach and player of the award, respectively.

Under Hurley’s guidance, the Huskies set a program regular season record for overall wins (28) and Big East mark for league regular season wins with 18. Hurley was named the Big East coach of the year.

Newton leads the Huskies in points (14.9), rebounds (7.1) and assists (5.8).

News and notes

The Big East tournament will continue to stay at Madison Square Garden through 2023, the two parties involved announced Saturday afternoon. MSG has hosted the league tournament since 1983. … As usual, Friday’s semifinal doubleheader was sold-out. … UConn, St. John’s and Providence, three original members of the Big East, all reached the semifinals for the first time in tournament history. … Rick Pitino won three Big East titles as coach of Louisville (2009, 2012, 2013). . … The Huskies have captured seven Big East tournament titles, second only to Georgetown’s eight. They entered Friday’s semifinal with a 40-29 all-time mark in the tournament. … Last Big East championship game appearances for the four semifinalists: UConn 2011, St. John’s 2000, Marquette 2023, Providence 2014.

g.keefe@theday.com