The University of Connecticut's men's basketball squad achieved a hard-fought 79-75 triumph over Georgetown on Saturday night, playing before a full house at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs. This contest marked the second occasion within four weeks where the Hoyas pushed the favored Huskies to their limits, demonstrating a recurring pattern of close matchups between the two teams.
UConn had previously managed a narrow two-point win against Georgetown in Washington, D.C., earlier in January, and the recent game mirrored that intensity, culminating in a dramatic finish. The Huskies held a 77-70 advantage with 33 seconds remaining, but a foul on a Georgetown player during a made three-pointer led to a four-point play, narrowing UConn's lead to 77-74. Following an extensive replay review, UConn subsequently committed a turnover on their next possession, offering the Hoyas a critical opportunity to level the score in the waning moments. In the final seconds, the Huskies fouled a Georgetown player, who converted only one of two free throws. UConn's senior forward, Alex Karaban, was then sent to the free-throw line, sinking both shots to establish a two-possession lead, ultimately securing the four-point victory.
This significant win also elevated Karaban to a historic milestone, marking his 116th victory with UConn and making him the most successful player in the program's history. He expressed deep gratitude for the support of his teammates and coaches, acknowledging their essential role in his achievement. Karaban delivered an impressive performance, contributing 18 points and notably making four of his six attempts from beyond the arc. Despite momentarily losing a double-digit lead in the second half, the Huskies maintained control for most of the game, only facing significant pressure after Georgetown's four-point play. The game's outcome, though tighter than anticipated, underscored the resilience of the UConn team. Other key players included junior guard Solo Ball, who added 20 points, and junior guard Silas Demary, Jr., who nearly achieved a triple-double with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. Freshman center Eric Reibe also provided a crucial 10 points off the bench, compensating for an off-night from freshman guard Braylon Mullins and a challenging game for senior center Tarris Reed, Jr. Georgetown's efforts were spearheaded by junior guard KJ Lewis, who scored 24 points, complemented by strong bench contributions from Vince Iwuchukwu and Kayvaun Mulready.
This victory improves UConn's overall record to 24-2 and their Big East conference standing to 14-1, allowing them to maintain their leading position. The team's continued success is a testament to their unwavering spirit and collective effort, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, dedication and teamwork can lead to remarkable achievements and inspire future generations.