#3 UConn Huskies vs. #4 Arizona Wildcats

In what may be the best non-conference game of the college basketball season, the #4 Arizona Wildcats traveled to Storrs, Connecticut to take on the #3 UConn Huskies. Despite being without two starters, the Huskies were ready for the top-five showdown, with both teams entering the contest coming off wins against top-15 opponents. UConn defeated #9 BYU, while Arizona took down #15 UCLA. This matchup marked Arizona’s first true road game after multiple neutral-site appearances, and they faced a loud and energized crowd at Gampel Pavilion. Arizona showed its versatility across the roster and executed in pressure moments, ultimately earning a 71-67 win over the Huskies.

Photo Cred: PHNX Sports

1st Half

Defense and physicality were established from the opening tip, with both teams getting into foul trouble early. Arizona freshman Brayden Burries picked up two fouls, including a technical, in under three minutes, sending him to the bench until the 8-minute mark. Despite the early whistles, both teams cleaned up defensively and maintained active ball pressure, limiting each other to 40% shooting from the field. Pace and tempo played a major role as both programs looked to impose their style.

UConn forced eight turnovers, creating multiple extra possessions and displaying strong ball control. Arizona countered by dominating the glass, outrebounding UConn 25-13, with Motiejus Krivas grabbing 10 boards in the half. UConn’s key scorer Alex Karaban was held to just one point, facing heavy defensive pressure on every touch. This shifted playmaking responsibilities to Solo Ball and Silas Demary Jr., disrupting the Huskies’ offensive rhythm. After a tight first half featuring eight lead changes and no lead larger than two possessions, Arizona led 35-33 at halftime.

Photo Cred: Fox Sports

2nd Half

Arizona kept attacking to start the second half, opening with a 14-5 run in the first five minutes. This forced the Huskies to adjust on both ends, focusing on closing out on perimeter shooters and protecting the paint. With improved defensive execution and better spacing offensively, UConn fought its way back into the game, exploiting Arizona’s struggles defending the pick-and-roll. The adjustments led to a 22-7 run over a 10-minute stretch, giving the Huskies their first lead since 22-21 with three minutes remaining.

However, with momentum slipping, Arizona turned to senior Jaden Bradley. Bradley has delivered in key moments throughout the season, including late-game scoring bursts against Florida and UCLA, and once again rose to the moment. He hit a crucial layup to put Arizona up three with 16 seconds left. The final moments came down to free throws, where Tobe Awaka closed the game out, sealing a 71-67 victory for the Wildcats.

Overview

Though not a conference game, it carried significant implications. The #1 ranking was potentially at stake, as Arizona has now collected three top-15 wins early in the season. Despite the loss, UConn showed strong resilience without leading scorer Tarris Reed Jr., but could not finish the comeback at home. Arizona limited Alex Karaban to just eight points and forced UConn to rely on its third and fourth scoring options. Even with the defeat, the Huskies should remain comfortably within the top 10 of the AP Poll. Arizona, meanwhile, is expected to rise to #1 or #2 nationally as Tommy Lloyd and the Wildcats continue to meet lofty preseason expectations.