UConn has wrapped up the non-league portion of its basketball schedule with a significant 71-63 victory over Texas, improving its season record to 10-1. This win solidified the Huskies’ position at No. 5 in the latest CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings, maintaining the program’s strong standing as Michigan holds onto the top spot for the fourth consecutive day.
The Huskies’ early season has been commendable, particularly considering the challenges faced with key players limited due to injuries. Five-star freshman Braylon Mullins has only made five appearances so far, while Tarris Reed Jr., the team’s leading rebounder, has participated in just six games. The team’s only setback occurred in a closely contested matchup against Arizona, which resulted in a narrow 71-67 loss, a game from which both Mullins and Reed were absent. This raises speculation that had the Huskies been at full strength throughout the season, they might very well be undefeated and possibly claiming the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.
In the matchup against Texas, both Mullins and Reed started and made significant contributions, combining for 22 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Mullins, a 6-foot-6 guard, notably made two of the four three-point attempts and scored 10 points, marking his third double-digit game in the last four outings. Head coach Dan Hurley expressed optimism about Mullins’ potential, suggesting that as he continues to develop, he will become even more of a threat on the court.
Looking ahead, UConn will begin its Big East campaign with an upcoming game against Butler scheduled for Tuesday. Projections from KenPom.com suggest a favorable outcome for the Huskies, estimating an 80-68 victory. The site also predicts UConn will finish with a solid 16-4 record in the conference, placing them one game ahead of St. John’s. The Huskies will aim to build on their successful start as they transition into league play.
