[ad_1]
Jan 24, 2026; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) shoots the ball in opposition to the Villanova Wildcats within the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Necessary Credit score: David Butler II-Imagn Photos Second-ranked UConn will try to increase its successful streak to 16 video games and stay unbeaten within the Large East when it faces Windfall on Tuesday night time in Storrs, Conn.
The Huskies (19-1, 9-0 Large East) remained the one undefeated group within the convention once they beat Villanova 75-67 in extra time on Saturday. Junior guard Solo Ball tossed in a game-high 24 factors within the win. He was 5 of 12 on 3-point makes an attempt.
“I believe we have a will to win,” UConn coach Dan Hurley mentioned. “We do not have a capability to maintain the extent of basketball we have to play at each ends of the courtroom to be like we have been in (2024). Generally, as a coach, that final nice group you’ve gotten, you are form of measuring your group up in opposition to. The deficiencies now we have right here, I really feel prefer it’s extra just like the (2023) group, issues we’re nonetheless working by way of.”
UConn’s final three convention video games have been nail-biters. The Huskies withstood a late rally to beat Seton Corridor 69-64, edged Georgetown 64-62 after which outlasted Villanova.
“We have discovered a option to win so many instances, and that is simply one other one,” mentioned senior ahead Alex Karaban, who scored 17 factors in opposition to Villanova, all of which got here over the last 9:03 of regulation and the five-minute extra time. “We have simply obtained to be taught to not put ourselves in these positions.
“We’re not at UConn simply to be glad as a result of we’re 19-1. We all the time nitpick and see what we wish to do higher. However on the similar time, we have to take a step again and notice we have put in quite a lot of arduous work. Sure, these video games have been shut and we discover methods to win, however we’re grateful and blessed to be 19-1 and we’re simply going to stack wins.”
Windfall (September 11, 2-7) has had a troublesome time ending video games this season, and that was the case in Saturday’s 81-78 dwelling loss to Georgetown. The Hoyas rallied from a 21-point second-half deficit by scoring 56 factors within the ultimate 20 minutes.
“Only a crusher — a crushing defeat,” Windfall coach Kim English mentioned. “You recognize, story of two halves. I’ve not completed a ok job constructing a degree of toughness and self-discipline that is wanted to have an opportunity to win — actually, actually win.”
The Friars have misplaced 5 of their final six video games, a stretch that started with a 103-98 extra time setback in opposition to visiting UConn on Jan. 7. Windfall had an 11-point lead with 3:12 to play in regulation in that sport.
UConn freshman Braylon Mullins was hit within the face throughout Saturday’s win over Villanova and is in concussion protocol. Mullins led all scorers with 24 factors within the first assembly with Windfall, when the Huskies made 18 of their 32 3-point makes an attempt.
The Friars have been taking part in with out senior guard Jason Edwards, who has missed the final 4 video games with a foot damage. Edwards, the No. 3 scorer within the Large East (17.2 factors per sport), had a strolling boot on his proper foot throughout Saturday’s sport in opposition to Georgetown.
Windfall’s Jaylin Sellars is the No. 5 scorer within the Large East (16.0). Ball (14.6), Tarris Reed Jr. (14.2) and Karaban (13.8) are UConn’s main scorers.
UConn’s solely loss got here in opposition to then-No. 4 and at the moment top-ranked Arizona 71-67 on Nov. 19 in Storrs.
–Area Stage Media
[ad_2]
