The UConn men’s basketball team faced a disappointing defeat against Seton Hall, losing 69-68 in an overtime thriller on Saturday afternoon in Newark. The Huskies had held a seven-point lead with under a minute left in regulation and a five-point advantage in overtime, but turnovers ultimately allowed the Pirates to capitalize and secure the victory with a last-second tip-in from Scotty Middleton.
This loss complicates UConn’s already challenging path toward a strong NCAA tournament resume, dropping their record to 17-8 overall and 9-5 in the Big East. The prospect of clinching the Big East regular season title has also slipped from their grasp, especially with Seton Hall having entered the game on a nine-game losing streak and ranked low in the KenPom metrics.
Throughout the game, UConn struggled against the physicality of Seton Hall’s defense, committing 16 turnovers and shooting just 37.3 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from three-point range. Despite a slow start, the Huskies led for most of the first half but saw their scoring dry up, allowing the Pirates to seize control at 21-17 after a devastating 11-0 run.
In the second half, UConn rallied back, partly thanks to the efforts of Alex Karaban, who managed to hit key three-pointers and assist teammates, momentarily pulling the Huskies ahead. Unfortunately for UConn, Seton Hall responded with a flurry of late-game scores, forcing overtime after a clutch three-pointer from Dylan Addae-Wusu.
Overtime saw the Huskies appear to regain their footing, with valuable contributions from Karaban, who finished with 20 points and six rebounds. However, Seton Hall’s tenacity paid off, as they forced turnovers and scored crucial points, ultimately sealing the win with Middleton’s decisive basket.
Looking ahead, UConn will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to host Villanova on Tuesday, February 18. A victory against the Wildcats will be essential for the Huskies to remain in the conversation for NCAA tournament inclusion. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on FS1.
In spite of the recent setbacks, UConn has the potential to bounce back with their talented roster and the experience gained from close matches. Hope remains for a strong finish to the season, as they work to improve their play and secure their postseason bid.