UConn Men's Basketball

Rapid Recap: Huskies down the Longhorns in Austin

By Serenity J. Bishop

December 8, 2024

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The No. 25 UConn Huskies appear to be back in form, holding down the Texas Longhorns in Austin, defeating them 76-65 at the Moody Center in a game where they never trailed and led for 38 minutes.

Alex Karaban returned to the starting lineup after missing the last two games, leading the Huskies with 21 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double. He was setting the offensive pace and directing his teammates on both sides of the court.

Dan Hurley’s squad turned in an improved defensive effort to secure this win, holding Texas to 31 percent shooting from the field in the first half, including 1-of-6 from three, as UConn led 42-24 at the break. Freshman sensation Tre Johnson dropped 24 for the home team but their second-half comeback attempt fell well short.

The Huskies jumped out to an 11-4 lead on the strength of some good team defense. Despite bigs Tarris Reed Jr. and Samson Johnson falling into early foul trouble, once again, the Huskies held Texas to one first-half assist and got some good minutes from Youssouf Singare, who collected four fouls while Johnson and Reed sat with two each.

Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman

Johnson was held to just six points in the first half as the Huskies’ defensive game plan for containing Texas’ best player seemed to be working. Karaban led the way at the break with 14 points and eight rebounds as he played every second of the first half.

Despite the lopsided first half, Texas climbed back into the game. They outscored UConn 20-15 within the first six minutes and eventually brought the game within eight points. Despite the spirited effort, which saw forward Arthur Kaluma also finish with 20, the Huskies were never truly at risk of losing their grasp on the game.

The Longhorns were fouling late and eventually the Huskies hit enough free throws to put the game away. They improve to 7-3 on the season.

Next up, the Huskies head to their second home in New York City, Madison Square Garden, where they’ll host a matchup against Gonzaga. The Bulldogs are ranked 7^th in the AP Poll and 4^th in KenPom. Tip-off will be at 8 p.m. on FOX.