No. 25 UConn staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 76-72 victory over No. 15 Baylor in the Big 12-Big East Battle on Wednesday night. Liam McNeeley led the charge with 17 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Solo Ball contributed significantly by sinking two crucial free throws late in the game, finishing with 11 points as the Huskies maintained their composure at the foul line. Samson Johnson also played a pivotal role, adding 13 points to the scoreboard for UConn (6-3), the reigning NCAA champions.
For Baylor (5-3), the 2021 national champions, Robert Wright III shone brightly with 22 points, while Langston Love and Norchad Omier chipped in with 16 and 14 points, respectively, demonstrating their scoring prowess.
Aidan Mahaney sparked a significant shift in momentum, hitting a 3-pointer and assisting Tarris Reed Jr., who scored four points during a 10-2 run that propelled the Huskies to an eight-point lead with just 7:48 remaining, after they had faced a double-digit deficit in the first half.
Baylor initially took control of the game, scoring the first seven points and building an 11-point lead twice. However, UConn fought back, with Mahaney sinking two 3-pointers and assisting on Johnson’s layup, allowing UConn to take a 31-28 lead.
A late driving layup by Jeremy Roach put Baylor ahead 37-36 at halftime. Unfortunately for the Bears, Roach exited the game with an injury early in the second half and did not return, which affected their performance.
UConn faced challenges of its own, playing without its leading scorer, Alex Karaban, who is recovering from a concussion. Meanwhile, Baylor’s freshman standout, VJ Edgecombe, was sidelined due to a hamstring injury, further impacting the Bears’ lineup.
