STORRS, Conn. — Sixth-ranked UConn survived a late push from Georgetown on Saturday night, leaning on clutch free throws and timely second-half scoring to secure a 79-75 Big East victory.
Solo Ball poured in 20 points, while Alex Karaban delivered when it mattered most, scoring 13 of his 18 points after halftime. Karaban calmly sank two free throws with 10 seconds remaining to preserve the win after the Hoyas trimmed a 14-point deficit to just two in the closing seconds.
Historic Night for Karaban
The game marked a milestone for Karaban, who made his 136th career start — a program record. With the victory, he also became the winningest player in UConn men’s basketball history, as the Huskies improved to 116-24 during his tenure.
Huskies Build, Then Withstand
UConn (24-2, 14-1 Big East) appeared in control midway through the second half. Consecutive baskets from freshman Eric Reibe stretched the lead to 49-35 with just over 15 minutes to play.
But Georgetown refused to fade. Kayvaun Mulready, who scored all 15 of his points after halftime, sparked a rally with a key 3-pointer. The Hoyas chipped away and eventually pulled within six before Karaban and Ball answered with 3-pointers to steady the Huskies.
Earlier, after Georgetown tied the game at 25 in the first half, Ball ignited a decisive 12-3 run with 10 points during that stretch, helping UConn take a 41-33 advantage into the locker room.
Milestones on Both Sides
Ball’s fifth 3-pointer of the night pushed him past the 1,000-point mark for his career. Georgetown’s KJ Lewis reached the same milestone, finishing with 24 points, nine rebounds and four steals. He scored 11 of his points late after being held scoreless for much of the second half.
Silas Demary Jr. delivered an all-around performance for UConn with 15 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. Freshmen Braylon Mullins and Reibe each added 10 points.
For Georgetown (13-11, 5-9), Vincent Iwuchukwu contributed 16 points alongside Mulready’s second-half surge.
Halftime Honor
The evening also featured a tribute to former UConn standout Hasheem Thabeet, who was inducted into the Huskies of Honor at halftime. Thabeet, one of the most dominant shot-blockers in program history, ranks among UConn’s career leaders in rebounds and blocks.
What’s Next:
Georgetown returns home to host Butler on Wednesday, while UConn stays in Storrs for a midweek showdown against Creighton.
In a game that mixed history, milestones and high drama, the Huskies once again showed why they remain among the nation’s elite — poised enough to absorb a rally and disciplined enough to finish the job.
