University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
14-0,3-0Big East
Villanova University
7-6,1-1Big East
No. 2 UConn Extends Unbeaten Streak To 14-0 With Win Over Villanova
12/28/2022 10:49:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UConn Athletic Communications / Dec. 28, 2022
UConn-Villanova Postgame Quotes
HARTFORD, Conn. – Spurred on by a raucous sellout crowd (15,564) at the XL Center, the No. 2 UConn men's basketball team ran its season-opening winning streak to 14-0 with a 74-66 triumph over Villanova on Wednesday night.
The Huskies (14-0 overall, 3-0 BIG EAST) rode the hot shooting hand of sophomore Jordan Hawkins in the first half and got a defensive spark off the bench from junior Hassan Diarra in the second to outlast the gritty Wildcats (7-6, 1-1).
"It was an unbelievable crowd, obviously. This place was electric," UConn coach Dan Hurley said. "This venue played a huge factor in us being able to get a tough Big East win."
UConn had chances throughout the game to break away, but Villanova refused to wilt and make it easy. With Hawkins pouring in 16 first-half points, however, and freshman Alex Karaban adding eight, the Huskies managed a 33-32 lead at halftime.
Hawkins, who finished with 22 points and 7 rebounds, was not deterred by a few early misses.
"I always have confidence in my shot," he said. "I always think the next one is going in."
Villanova jumped in front in the opening minutes of the second half, but a three-pointer by Karaban tied the game, 36-36, followed by another trey from Hawkins and a dunk from Andre Jackson to put UConn in front for good.
UConn widened the gap to 49-39, but Nova wouldn't let the Huskies get out of sight, cutting the margin to 58-56 with 3:36 remaining. But Adama Sanogo canned a layup and Jackson followed with a crucial three-pointer and UConn had some breathing room, 63-56.
From there, it was a matter of making free throws and UConn make 10 of 12 down the stretch to seal the win.
"This is more of a reality of what conference play type of games are all about," Hurley said.
The Huskies get another tough test of BIG EAST play on Saturday, when they travel to Cincinnati to meet Xavier (noon, FOX).
