The Big East conference has faced challenges in non-conference play this season, currently featuring just one nationally ranked team and a single clear contender for the championship as the regular season progresses. Despite these hurdles, the league continues to showcase some of the most exciting matchups in college basketball.
One such thrilling game occurred on Wednesday when UConn staged an impressive comeback against Providence, overcoming an 11-point deficit in the final three minutes of regulation to secure a dramatic 108-93 overtime victory. The Huskies set a program record with 18 three-pointers on 32 attempts, showcasing an impressive shooting percentage of 56.3% from beyond the arc and 49.3% overall. The Friars also played well, shooting 50% from the field and 58.3% from three, although they suffered from some critical turnovers.
Looking ahead, UConn is set to host DePaul after the Blue Demons narrowly defeated Georgetown 56-50, during which they limited the Hoyas to a mere 1-for-23 shooting performance in the second half. The game was marked by a significant amount of turnovers, nearly matching the total made shots.
Currently, UConn boasts a remarkable record of 15-1, marking their best start since the 2008-09 season when they advanced to the Final Four. Ranked No. 4 in the country, according to analytics from EvanMiya.com, this is also Dan Hurley’s best start in his 16 years of coaching. The Huskies previously defeated DePaul 72-54 earlier this season, where standout performances, especially from Alex Karaban with 21 points and Tarris Reed Jr. who recorded a double-double, were pivotal.
Dan Hurley expressed confidence in his team’s ability to close out games, noting that this experience builds confidence, especially given the competitive nature of their next opponent. UConn will aim for its 22nd consecutive win against DePaul when they meet again on Saturday.
The game will take place at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford at 12:30 p.m., with UConn looking to maintain their dominance in the series, leading 22-1 overall. Fans can catch the action on TNT/TruTV, featuring announcers Spero Dedes, Greg Anthony, and Jared Greenberg, or listen to the UConn Sports Network on FOX Sports Radio 97-9 with Mike Crispino and Wayne Norman. As the season unfolds, UConn’s strong start and thrilling gameplay are certainly promising for a potential championship run.