The UConn basketball team, a two-time defending NCAA champion, faced its first defeat of the season on Monday in a thrilling overtime match against Memphis. The game, part of The Maui Invitational, took place at the Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii, where the No. 2 ranked Huskies lost 99-97.
The Memphis Tigers, led by Penny Hardaway, initially took control of the game, building a solid lead of 13 points at 87-74 with just four minutes left on the clock. However, UConn mounted a fierce comeback, scoring 20-7 in a stunning turnaround that allowed them to tie the game. Solo Ball’s clutch three-pointer with only 1.2 seconds remaining sent the game into overtime.
In a tense extra period, a technical foul against UConn’s coach Dan Hurley contributed to Memphis’s success at the foul line, where PJ Carter made four consecutive free throws to secure the victory. Hassan Diarra had a chance to win the game for UConn with a three-pointer, but it didn’t go in as time expired.
Social media buzzed with reactions to UConn’s surprising loss, showcasing a mix of disappointment for Huskies fans and praise for Memphis’s performance.
Despite the loss, UConn’s ability to stage a comeback reflects their resilience and potential for future games. This early-season challenge may serve as a learning opportunity to build on their strengths as they continue in the season.
As the season progresses, UConn has the chance to regroup and refine their strategies, ensuring that they remain a formidable contender in college basketball. The overall excitement surrounding such close contests only adds to the anticipation of what’s to come.