UConn is peaking at the right time, which could spell trouble for the rest of the Big East. As the clock struck midnight in Manhattan, the No. 3-seeded UConn Huskies found themselves in a fierce contest against sixth-seeded Villanova. With a semifinal spot on the line, the stakes were high, and the tension palpable.
In that critical moment, UConn’s standout, Alex Karaban, seized control of the game.
Karaban, known for his impressive winning percentage in Storrs, showcased his talent by sinking a straightaway three-pointer with 6:18 left on the clock. This pivotal shot provided Connecticut with the much-needed separation in what had been a back-and-forth encounter.
While the Huskies may not mirror their championship form from last year, they still possess a winning mentality and exceptional shooting skills. At this point in the season, those qualities can make a significant difference against any opponent.
UConn excelled in the second half, hitting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc and finishing the game on a 22-5 run, ultimately defeating the Wildcats 73-56. This victory propels the Huskies into a semifinal showdown against Creighton at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.
Beyond their impressive shooting, the Huskies made a statement on defense by containing the nation’s leading scorer, Eric Dixon, to just eight points. This marked the end of Dixon’s remarkable streak of 47 consecutive games in double figures, a record now held by Marquette’s Kam Jones. UConn’s defense also prevented Dixon from breaking Kerry Kittles’ program scoring record, as he finished with 2,235 points.
The most encouraging sign for Karaban and the Huskies is their momentum, having won five consecutive games.
“It’s March, and around here, we’re desperate for championships,” Karaban expressed. “We have to be playing our best basketball this time of year. Wearing that UConn jersey comes with a certain swagger, especially in March when championships are at stake.”
Karaban’s final stats included 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Liam McNeeley contributed 12 points, while Solo Ball and Samson Johnson each added 11.
In addition to their balanced offense, the Huskies dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Wildcats 31-22, showcasing their physicality as they closed out the game.
UConn coach Dan Hurley noted, “I found it encouraging that we were within five at halftime. For us to finish a game like that as we start the postseason shows a blueprint of what’s possible for this team.”
The Huskies’ recent performances have reignited hope after a challenging period, including a 68-62 loss to St. John’s on February 7. Following that setback, UConn bounced back, avenging an earlier loss to Creighton with an impressive victory, highlighted by McNeeley’s 38-point performance.
The upcoming rematch with Creighton carries significant intrigue. Creighton coach Greg McDermott holds an 8-4 record against Hurley. UConn aims to reach the Big East title game for the second consecutive year, a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2011. Meanwhile, Creighton has made it to the semifinal round of the Big East Tournament four times since 2014 but has yet to secure a championship.
As a rivalry continues to develop since UConn’s return to the league, Friday night’s semifinal could deliver an exciting showdown, especially considering it might be Ryan Kalkbrenner’s final game against Connecticut.
Late Thursday into early Friday morning, Hurley was all smiles, reflecting on his team’s strong second half. The Huskies appear to be hitting their stride at just the right moment.
“It’s Lent, so I’m a practicing Catholic,” Hurley said with a chuckle after the game. “Back to the hotel for a slice of cheese pizza, then it’s on to the great team that is Creighton.”
