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Texas fights, but comes up short against top-five UConn in Connecticut, 71-63

by: Keenan Womack2 hours ago

Quick summary

The first half was strange in that UConn shot a blistering 70% from the field –– had you told someone before tip that the Huskies’ shooting would be that hot for 20. minutes, you’d have called off the contest entirely, citing a now-defunct mercy rule of some sort. In reality, Texas trailed by nine going into the break, which is obviously not ideal, but also obviously, could have been significantly worse.

The second half was an absolute grind, with both offenses coming to a screeching halt. Texas struggled massively from the field, but were able to stay within striking distance because of their propensity for drawing fouls and converting those looks from the charity stripe. Texas had it as close as five points with four minutes left in the game before UConn was able to hit a 35-footer with an expiring shot clock to take back all of the momentum in the game. Back-to-back threes put the game out of reach for Texas late in this one, as they lost, 71-63.

Improvement from Virginia game

A reader said something important about this performance: even in a loss, this was a radical improvement from the shellacking they endured from the UVA Cavaliers a week and a half ago. There was more effort, the rotations were tighter, and there was much better communication on the perimeter defensively. Though the offense could not get going against a physical defense, they figured out a way to manufacture points by getting to the line and taking advantage of Hurley’s over-aggressive style to draw fouls.

Texas played about as well as you could have asked for much of this game, and though they couldn’t pull it off in the end, their defense was outstanding in the second half outside of a miracle three that got Connecticut’s mojo back late. The effort was there the last 20 minutes, and it showed. Holding an offense as good as UConn’s to under 30 points in a half is a legitimate accomplishment, and something to build on for Texas going forward.

Missed opportunities

As well as Texas played considering the circumstances, there were plenty of chances for them to make the game even closer, or possibly even emerge victorious. The eight-point swing after the missed free throws by Dailyn Swain, which resulted in the Solo Ball heave from Storrs to Hartford for three points, was then followed by a rushed bad shot by Texas. That turned into an open three for Alex Karaban, putting the game away. That one sequence turned the entire tide of the matchup, and caused Texas to lose their fourth game of the season.

Top performers

Connecticut:

  • Alex Karaban: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists. 8-14 FG, 2-4 3P.
  • Tarris Reed: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists. 5-7 FG, 2-4 FT.
  • Braylon Mullins: 10 points, 4 rebounds. 4-7 FG, 2-4 3P.

Texas:

  • Tramon Mark: 15 points, 5 rebounds. 6-13 FG.
  • Jordan Pope: 15 points. 5-10 FG, 1-4 3P, 4-4 FT.
  • Matas Vokietaitis: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists. 2-6 FG, 5-8 FT.

Texas is back in action next week against Le Moyne on December 16.

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