HARTFORD — In a thrilling showdown on Friday night, UConn forward Alex Karaban delivered a sensational performance, leading the Huskies to a hard-fought 71-63 victory over Texas in Hartford. With just over three minutes left in the game, Karaban showcased his skills with a crucial 3-pointer that highlighted a tumultuous night of basketball at PeoplesBank Arena, previously known as the Hartford Civic Center and the XL Center.
UConn guard Solo Ball had already electrified the crowd by draining a remarkable 35-footer just before the shot clock expired, pushing the Huskies ahead by eight points. Following Ball’s shot, Karaban’s timely 3-pointer further extended UConn’s lead and brought the arena to its feet, solidifying an evening that reaffirmed the Huskies’ position as a formidable contender. “Solo made a big-time shot,” Karaban reflected. “I think this team’s got to create that identity where we score, stop, score.”
Karaban, who led all scorers with 18 points, has emerged as a pivotal player this season. The fifth-ranked Huskies, now 10-1, have displayed resilience throughout a challenging nonconference schedule, having previously defeated top teams such as Illinois, Kansas, and Florida. Coach Dan Hurley noted how past experiences, particularly a disappointing third year, have shaped Karaban’s current approach, leading to his renewed sense of gratitude and confidence as a fifth-year senior.
Texas coach Sean Miller, who has closely observed Karaban’s development, called him a “winner” and praised his vital contributions to UConn’s success over the years. “He fits their system so well that there’s a lot of things they can do because of his uniqueness as a player,” he stated. Currently, Karaban is averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 50.5 percent from the field.
Despite leading by as much as 12 points at times during the game, UConn faced fierce competition from Texas, who continually fought to stay within striking distance. A late surge from the Longhorns cut the Huskies’ lead to just five points. However, Karaban’s clutch shooting, alongside Ball’s earlier heroics, helped UConn steady the ship during critical moments in the game, and the home crowd erupted in celebration.
As the Huskies prepare to enter Big East play, the solid foundation built during this successful nonconference campaign has fans feeling optimistic about the season ahead. Karaban’s growth and consistency will be essential as UConn aims to continue its tradition of excellence in college basketball. The palpable energy in the arena Friday night reflected the collective hope for a bright future for the Huskies, with Karaban at the helm.