The UConn Huskies showcased their resilience and grit in a thrilling Big East clash against Butler, edging out a 78-74 victory in Indianapolis on Saturday afternoon. With veterans Alex Karaban and Hassan Diarra stepping up in clutch moments, the Huskies extended their winning streak to six games and improved to 10-3 on the season.
Though the Huskies never trailed during the game, Butler refused to back down. The Bulldogs managed to tie the score with less than five minutes remaining, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. It was in these tense final moments that Karaban and Diarra took control. Karaban drained a pivotal 3-pointer, followed by a breathtaking floater from Diarra to beat the shot clock. Karaban struck again from beyond the arc, giving UConn a five-point cushion with under a minute left. To seal the deal, Diarra and Liam McNeeley sank crucial free throws, ensuring the Huskies left Hinkle Fieldhouse victorious.
Karaban, reflecting on the game, said, “Something about this building. It’s historical; everyone talks about how Hinkle Fieldhouse has a little magic in there. The magic was on our side today.” His performance was nothing short of magical, leading all scorers with 21 points and grabbing six rebounds. UConn head coach Dan Hurley affectionately referred to him as “Captain America” for his heroics on the court. The Huskies were plus-18 with Karaban on the floor.
Hassan Diarra’s impact was equally significant. He recorded 12 points, seven assists, and four rebounds while exhibiting stellar leadership. Meanwhile, McNeeley, who continues to play beyond his years, contributed 17 points—including a flawless 3-for-3 from beyond the arc—along with five rebounds and a season-high seven assists. “It helps us tremendously just to have someone like McNeeley,” Karaban said. “His maturity, confidence, and ability to step up in big-time moments make him a huge asset to our team.”
The game started with a bang for UConn. Center Samson Johnson, back in the lineup after a concussion, made an immediate impact by scoring or assisting on the team’s first eight points. With McNeeley and Karaban hitting back-to-back triples, the Huskies raced to an early 14-2 lead. Butler struggled to find their footing, missing their first six shot attempts. By the time Jayden Ross and Aidan Mahaney joined the scoring action, UConn had built a commanding 25-9 advantage, shooting an impressive 5-for-6 from beyond the arc.
However, Butler wasn’t going down without a fight. The Bulldogs clawed their way back by switching to a man-to-man defense, slowing UConn’s red-hot offense. Led by 7-footer Andre Screen, who tied his career high with four blocks in the first half, Butler cut the deficit to six with under seven minutes remaining before halftime. Screen also contributed nine first-half points, while Bulldogs’ leading scorer Jahmyl Telfort added seven points, six rebounds, and seven assists. A late push brought Butler within three points before UConn closed the half with a 42-33 lead, thanks to timely plays from Diarra and Karaban.
After the break, UConn came out firing again. McNeeley tied his career-high assist mark, dishing to Diarra for a triple and sinking his own corner three shortly after. Karaban’s steal led to a fast-break layup by Solo Ball, extending the Huskies’ lead to 14 points. But Butler kept chipping away. A 9-0 run midway through the second half brought the Bulldogs within five points. Even as UConn pushed their lead back to double digits, Butler capitalized on a four-minute stretch without Karaban on the floor, trimming the gap to two points with just under five minutes remaining.
Kolby King’s free throw tied the game at 63, setting the stage for UConn’s veteran leadership to shine. Diarra assisted McNeeley on a three-point play, then found Karaban for two crucial 3-pointers that shifted momentum back in UConn’s favor. Over the team’s six-game winning streak, Diarra has proven invaluable, totaling 48 assists to just nine turnovers. Hurley praised his point guard, saying, “He just makes plays all over the court, takes great care of the basketball, and he’s a great leader. You look at him in the huddle, and you believe you’re out there with General Hassan.”
Hurley also acknowledged that the team has room to grow. “Last year’s team, when we got a game to 14 points, it would quickly balloon to 22. We don’t have that killer instinct yet,” he said. “We’re going to improve a lot during the course of the year. But while we’re figuring things out, we just need to find ways to win games and execute with poise down the stretch.”
This victory marked UConn’s 10th win in their all-time series against Butler, a matchup that began with the 2011 national championship game. It’s always a special experience playing at Hinkle Fieldhouse, according to Hurley. “It’s like the holy land of basketball,” he said. “I thought the game was very similar to last year’s, where we had to fight for our lives to get out of here with a Big East road win.”
The Huskies will now enjoy a well-earned 10-day break before resuming action on New Year’s Day against DePaul. With their six-game winning streak intact and key players like Karaban, Diarra, and McNeeley stepping up, UConn looks poised for a strong run in Big East play. For fans, Saturday’s game was a reminder of the magic and excitement that college basketball brings—especially when the Huskies are involved.
Login