UConn comes back to Storrs after surviving a thriller against BYU in Boston, a game that showed the Huskies can take a punch and keep their composure
Huskies return home riding a wave of confidence
They shot the ball well, held their lead late, and leaned on a trio that felt unshakable. Alex Karaban, Silas Demary Jr. And Tarris Reed Jr. All scored 21 points and looked comfortable in the biggest moments.
Demary stood out most. The Georgia transfer showed why Dan Hurley trusts him already, getting into the paint, making tough finishes and knocking down free throws when the pressure climbed. He has fit right into UConn’s style, and his ability to take over possessions gives the Huskies a closer they did not have last season.
UConn has handled every challenge so far, but Arizona brings more size, more athletes and a totally different tempo. The Huskies have been sharp at home, and the crowd should be loud the moment they hit the floor.
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Arizona leans on veterans to balance young talent
Arizona is unbeaten after taking down two ranked opponents, including a grind it out win over UCLA. The Wildcats have plenty of hype around their young stars, but Tommy Lloyd has made it clear that the veterans are the ones who steady the ship. Senior guard Anthony Dell’Orso came off the bench to score 20 against the Bruins and hit four threes, and Jaden Bradley buried the go ahead three late.
The spotlight still follows freshman Koa Peat, who exploded for 30 points in his debut but has had a tougher time the last couple of games. He is finding his footing, and Arizona knows the ceiling gets higher once he settles in. That may come tonight, or it may take a little more time, but his presence alone changes how defenses play.
Arizona’s mix of experience and freshman talent makes them unpredictable in a good way. They defend well enough to stay in tight games, and they have multiple players who can carry them during scoring runs.
With two undefeated teams, two top five rankings and two very different styles, this feels like one of the early season games people talk about for a while. Dare I say - a final four game? UConn wants structure. Arizona wants flow. Whoever controls pace probably walks out 5-0.
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