The Connecticut Huskies extended their impressive season with a 69-64 win over the Seton Hall Pirates at the Prudential Center. Tarris Reed Jr. led the charge for UConn, scoring 21 points and grabbing 9 rebounds to help his team improve to 20-1. The Huskies' strong performance was on full display, particularly in the first half, where they built a 13-point lead, outscoring Seton Hall 35-22.
Seton Hall's Mike Williams tried to keep his team in the game, scoring 16 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Huskies' balanced attack. UConn's Alex Karaban added 13 points and 5 rebounds, while Braylon Mullins chipped in with 11 points. The Pirates' Adam Clark and Najai Hines also had notable performances, with 12 points and 10 points, 7 rebounds, respectively. However, their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by UConn's collective effort.
The second half saw Seton Hall try to mount a comeback, outscoring UConn 42-34. However, the Huskies' first-half cushion proved too much to overcome. The Pirates were able to trim the deficit to as little as 5 points, but UConn's defense held strong, securing the win.
This matchup had real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For UConn, the win marked another Quadrant 1 victory, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the country. With a current NET ranking of 8, the Huskies continue to build a strong case for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. For Seton Hall, the loss was a missed opportunity to bolster their own resume, but the fact that it was a Quadrant 1 game will likely help mitigate the damage.
The outcome of this game was a reflection of UConn's depth and talent. The Huskies' ability to withstand Seton Hall's second-half push and close out the win on the road is a promising sign for their chances in the tournament. As the season progresses, UConn want to continue their winning ways and make a deep run in the postseason.
This result will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both teams' tournament chances. UConn's win strengthens their already impressive resume, while Seton Hall must regroup and focus on their upcoming games to improve their own standing. With the Huskies' 20-1 record and strong NET ranking, they are firmly in the conversation for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. As for Seton Hall, they want to bounce back from this loss and make a push for a tournament berth in the coming weeks.