The No. 2-ranked University of Connecticut men's basketball team beat Villanova in another tough Big East showdown on Saturday afternoon in Hartford, Conn. The 75-67 overtime victory moved the Huskies to 19-1 overall and a perfect 9-0 inside league play. 

UConn looks like one of the challengers for the national championship this season, which would be the third in four years - if they are able to pull it off.

The win against 'Nova was just one of several close Big East contests for Dan Hurley's team, who also only beat Georgetown by two, needed overtime to beat Providence, and had to overcome an 18-point deficit against Seton Hall to pull out a win. 

Saturday's victory also represented somewhat of an anomaly for college basketball in 2025-26, according to Katie Sharp:

Villanova made 10-of-33 2pt FG vs UConn on Saturday.

Huskies are the only high-major team to allow 10 or fewer 2pt FG in an OT game this season.

Obviously the overtime distinction is key, as overtime allows a team an extra five minutes to accumulate field goal attempts - and makes. Villanova's ability to connect from three-point range (10-of-26) is actually what allowed them to stay in the game. Matt Hodge went 4-of-6 himself from beyond the arc.

For the Huskies, they were led by a historic effort from point guard Solo Ball, as well as a 17-point second half effort from senior Alex Karaban.

--Guard Silas Demary Jr. recorded his 1,000th career point in the victory. A junior transfer from Georgia, he's been one of the most impactful transfers in the country. He pairs with Ball, Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. to make one of the more dynamic offensive groups in the country.

--UConn freshman Braylon Mullins left the game in the second half after taking an elbow to the forehead. After the game, head coach Dan Hurley said that he is entering the concussion protocol. It's unclear if he'll be able to play on Tuesday as the Huskies host Providence. UConn beat the Friars 103-98 in overtime earlier this season.

Mullins is a former McDonald's All-American from Indiana and a potential NBA Draft lottery pick if he leaves school after this year.

--The UConn women, playing on Saturday instead of Sunday because of the looming snowstorm, trounced Seton Hall by 36 points. The No. 1 Huskies are still unbeaten on the season. Sarah Strong led the way with 18 points while Azzi Fudd had 16. Read that recap here. 

--UConn standout wide receiver Skyler Bell is preparing to play in the Shrine Bowl on Jan. 27. Bell was the first-ever AP First-Team All-American in school history in 2025. He helped the Huskies go 9-4 and earn an appearance in the Fenway Bowl.

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