RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, the prospect of a third consecutive national title for the University of Connecticut (UConn) remains alive, albeit challenging. In a thrilling first-round matchup, UConn secured a hard-fought victory against Oklahoma, prevailing 67-59 on Friday night. This crucial win was propelled by a pivotal 3-pointer and a floater in the lane from freshman Alex Karaban, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Coach Dan Hurley expressed confidence in his team, stating, “Somebody's going to have to put us down in this tournament for us to go away.” Despite a tumultuous regular season that saw the Huskies tumble out of the AP Top 25 rankings, they have demonstrated remarkable resilience. With this victory, UConn improved to 24-10 and solidified their status as the No. 8 seed in the West Region, extending their winning streak in March Madness to an impressive 13 games, a feat that ties them with Duke for the second-longest streak in tournament history.
In the decisive moments of the game, Karaban contributed significantly with 13 points and seven rebounds. His critical 3-pointer from the right wing at the 3:40 mark provided UConn with a crucial four-point lead, while his subsequent floater at 2:18 pushed the score to 64-58, sealing the game for the Huskies. Fellow teammate Solo Ball also made his mark, scoring 14 points to help propel UConn to the next round.
The Huskies are set to face the top seed, Florida, in their upcoming matchup, a team many analysts have predicted could halt UConn's championship ambitions. However, Hurley remains optimistic, noting, “Once we get out of the first round, we've been pretty good.”
The ninth-seeded Oklahoma Sooners (20-14) were led by freshman Jeremiah Fears, who scored 20 points. Despite a commendable effort, the Sooners faced significant challenges, shooting only 32.1% from the field and making just 3 of 17 attempts from beyond the arc. Coach Porter Moser praised his team's defensive efforts but acknowledged the difficulties they encountered, particularly in the final moments of the game.
Oklahoma, part of a record-setting haul of 14 NCAA bids from the Southeastern Conference, struggled with a losing record in the league, finishing at 7-14 after December. Their performance in this tournament highlights both the challenges and potential that they brought to the competition.
As the Huskies prepare to take on Florida on Sunday, they find themselves in a familiar position as contenders for the national title. UConn stands alongside historic programs like Duke and Florida, being one of the few teams to have won back-to-back championships since UCLA's legendary run from 1967-73. Despite showing inconsistency earlier in the season, including a rough stretch in Maui, the Huskies have proven that they are still in the hunt for a three-peat.
In a game where every possession counts, Karaban's quick decision-making and shooting prowess will be crucial as UConn aims to advance further in the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies are determined to continue their legacy and chase another championship, making them a team to watch as March Madness progresses.
For updates on the tournament, including the latest results and the AP March Madness bracket, visit AP News. Stay informed on the rankings and receive poll alerts throughout the season by signing up for notifications.
