UConn Men’s Basketball Team Edges Out Oklahoma in NCAA Tournament Opener

RALEIGH, N.C. – The UConn men’s basketball team faced another challenging matchup this season, narrowly triumphing over No. 9 seed Oklahoma with a score of 67-59 in their NCAA Tournament debut on Friday night.

Clutch Plays in the Final Minutes

For the first time in three years, the Huskies relied on critical plays in the final moments to secure their advance. Team captain Alex Karaban, the only returning starter from the last two championship-winning teams, stepped up to deliver when it mattered most.

Karaban’s Key Contributions

With UConn leading by just one point and under four minutes remaining, Karaban made a pivotal 3-pointer after receiving a screen from Tarris Reed Jr. Despite a rough start, finishing the night 2-for-7, he scored seven of his 13 points in the game’s closing minutes, including a crucial block against Oklahoma’s Jalon Moore, allowing Liam McNeeley to secure the win from the free throw line.

Coach Hurley’s Confidence

“I had to step up,” Karaban remarked. “Champions show up in these moments.” Coach Dan Hurley echoed this sentiment, noting the “championship pedigree” still present in the team, instilling confidence in the storied UConn brand during this crucial time of year.

Continuing a March Madness Legacy

This victory marked UConn’s 13th consecutive win in March Madness, tying them with Duke (1991-93) for the second-longest streak in NCAA Tournament history. The Huskies improved their record to 21-4 in first round games since the 1979 seeding began, setting the stage for a challenging game against No. 1 seed Florida in the Round of 32 on Sunday at 12:10 p.m. on CBS.

Analyzing the Matchup

Florida, the last team to win back-to-back national titles before UConn did so last year, is poised to be a formidable opponent. Coach Hurley acknowledged the significance of facing the last team to achieve such a feat, highlighting the honor in reaching the Round of 32.

Players’ Performance and Overall Game Summary

Karaban was instrumental in the game, contributing 13 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Meanwhile, Solo Ball led the team with 14 points, while Reed added 12 points and seven rebounds. Despite holding Oklahoma to 32.1% shooting and leading for most of the game, UConn’s 13 turnovers and struggles from the free throw line kept their opponents in the fight.