The University of Connecticut Huskies basketball team started their quest for an unprecedented third straight NCAA championship in dominant fashion Wednesday night, routing the Sacred Heart Pioneers 92-56 at Gampel Pavilion. The win came after an emotional pregame ceremony where the Huskies unveiled their 2023-24 title banner in front of a raucous home crowd.
Leading the way for UConn was sophomore forward Alex Karaban, who stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, 7 assists, 7 blocks and 6 rebounds in a performance head coach Dan Hurley called “all-American level” after the game. Karaban was one of several Huskies to step up in expanded roles following the departure of four starters to the NBA after last season’s title run.
Alex played like an all-American. He played like a Big East player of the year type. He kept us organized. In games like this, that’s what you’re supposed to do.
– UConn head coach Dan Hurley on Alex Karaban’s performance
Huskies Dominate in Paint, on Boards
UConn dominated the interior, outrebounding the Pioneers 47-25 while scoring 52 points in the paint. Freshman center Liam McNeeley posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards in his collegiate debut, while reserve big man Tarris Reed Jr. added 15 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
Point guard Solo Ball orchestrated the offense with 16 points and 6 assists as the Huskies assisted on 22 of their 35 made field goals as a team. UConn held Sacred Heart to just 31% shooting overall, including a paltry 6 points from guard Tanner Thomas after he had scored 22 in the Pioneers’ season opening loss.
Video Tributes From Former Stars
While unveiling their latest title banner, the Huskies also paid tribute to the four starters from last year’s squad now in the NBA. Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer all had video messages played for the home fans, passing the torch to this year’s team.
Coach Hurley preached patience in his postgame comments, noting that this group can’t be fairly compared to last season’s veteran team, at least not yet. But he expressed confidence they will round into championship form.
We’re going to get drastically better throughout the year. I think when you look at the team and people are imagining what the team looked like last year, like you can’t compare what we looked like last year.
– Dan Hurley on tempering early expectations
The Road Ahead
The Huskies will look to continue building chemistry and defining roles as they navigate the early portion of their non-conference schedule. Key tests loom in the coming weeks, including a showdown with No. 8 Creighton on December 1st in a rematch of last year’s thrilling Big East title game.
UConn is aiming to become the first team to win three consecutive NCAA titles since UCLA’s run of seven straight from 1967-73. With a mix of returning experience and high-upside youth, Hurley’s squad appears to have the talent to contend once again. The question is how quickly it all comes together.
For now, the Huskies can savor a successful start to their title defense. But much work remains if they hope to cut down the nets yet again in Houston next April. One thing is certain – all eyes will be on Storrs as this UConn team looks to etch its name even deeper into the history books.
