Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

No. 2 UConn Outlasts Villanova in OT to Stay Unbeaten in Big East

Hurley underscores a need for cleaner execution with Braylon Mullins now in concussion protocol.

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - JANUARY 24: Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley argues with officials during the first half of an NCAA men's basketball game against the Villanova Wildcats at PeoplesBank Arena on January 24, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) and UConn guard Solo Ball (1) celebrate in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Villanova Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Jan 24, 2026; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley watches from the sideline as they take on the Villanova Wildcats at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Image

Overview

  • Solo Ball scored a game-high 24 points and hit a pivotal overtime three, while Alex Karaban added 17 points after halftime in UConn’s 75–67 win in Hartford.
  • Villanova led late and opened OT with a three but went 1-for-8 in the extra period as UConn closed on an 8–0 run; coach Kevin Willard said his team should have won.
  • The Huskies improved to 19-1 overall and 9-0 in Big East play, extending their winning streak to 15 games and remaining unbeaten at PeoplesBank Arena.
  • Freshman Braylon Mullins entered concussion protocol after taking a hit to the face and will be unavailable for Tuesday’s home rematch against Providence.
  • Dan Hurley drew a second technical foul of the season that yielded four Villanova free throws, then emphasized addressing turnovers and rebounding after hearing blunt postgame critiques from Jim Calhoun.