UConn Basketball Wins Thriller Over Xavier: 3 Takeaways

UConn basketball claims victory in intense 94-89 OT win against Xavier.

Big East basketball is back!

With 22 lead changes, this conference opener was full of excitement as neither team was ever able to maintain a lead. The only time (in regulation) where this was not a two possession game was in the first half when the Huskies held a 10-point lead, but that was quickly evaporated with a 12-0 run from Xavier. Seven scoreless minutes from the Huskies did not help either as the offense completely stalled during that stretch.

Xavier shot the ball extremely efficient from three making 54% of their attempts including some well contested looks late in the second half that kept things close. It seemed like everything the Musketeers shot went in as Dante Maddox Jr. finished the game with 22 points on 5 for 9 shooting from three point range despite averaging 5 points and less than one three pointer made per game this season.

Both teams likely agree that the referee shenanigans went a bit too far at the end of the game with extremely picky calls going against both sides that ultimately sent this game into overtime. In the extra period, UConn basketball found their stride behind seven points from Alex Karaban and some truly inspiring defensive stops which gave them a lead that Xavier simply could not catch.

Solo Ball, Alex Karaban, and Tarris Reed Jr. all finished with over 20 points. Hassan Diarra ran the offense like a true Husky guard with 11 assists and Liam McNeeley scored 14 points on a limited 21 minutes of playtime due to some foul trouble taking him out the game.

Huge performances from these three 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9Z58bMBmxr

— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) December 19, 2024

Takeaway #1: UConn Basketball is ROLLING

The Huskies did enter this contest as 13.5 point favorites so this may seem like a surprising takeaway, but the grit and intensity shown down the closing stretch ended up making this an inspiring win. Coming off a great win over Gonzaga at Madison Square Garden, UConn basketball appeared due for a let down in their conference opener, which has historically proven to be quite a tough game for them.

UConn had multiple strong defensive stops and clutch offensive execution in the overtime period to now be 5-16 in their last 21 conference openers. The three point shooting is still a struggle (8 for 24 as a team), but 50 points in the paint is encouraging as the Huskies continue to develop their confidence driving to the basket and getting the ball to their big men. A win on the road against Butler this Saturday should move UConn basketball back into the top 10 of the AP Poll.

Takeaway #2: Xavier Still Searching for a Marquee Win

Now twelve games into the season, the Musketeers are still without a marquee win on their resume. Their best win came against South Carolina (#67 per Kenpom) on a neutral court while they hold losses to Michigan, Cincinnati, and UConn (all in the top 25 per Kenpom). The backcourt for Xavier is certainly a strength with Ryan Conwell (23 points), Dayvion McKnight  (18 points), and Dante Maddox Jr. (22 points) all having strong performances.

Xavier was clearly missing their go-to man on the interior and was forced to play small through their guards because of it. With Zack Freemantle out indefinitely, the going only gets tougher for the Musketeers as they host Marquette in their next game.

Takeaway #3: Tarris Reed Jr. is a Beast

No Samson Johnson meant that a lot more was going to be asked of Tarris in this contest and no Zach Freemantle gave him a great opportunity to become a serious factor. Tarris rose to the occasion in a huge way finishing with 20 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks, as well as going 6 for 6 from the free throw line.

Reed Jr. averages 20 minutes per game yet played 35 minutes in what can best be described as a phenomenal audition for a starting role. Samson has been with the program for two national championships and has been playing some of his best basketball recently so there would be nothing wrong if he continued to start. With that being said, if Dan Hurley wants a more physical player to open games then Tarris Reed Jr. is the answer.

Next for UConn: at Butler (Sat., Dec. 21 at 12:00 p.m.)

Next for Xavier: vs. Marquette (Sat., Dec. 21 at 12:00 p.m.)