UConn’s Home Streak Ends as Huskies Face Tough Big East Battle

HARTFORD, Conn. — The No. 19 UConn Huskies saw their 28-game home winning streak come to an end Saturday with a 68-63 loss to Creighton, marking their first defeat in Connecticut in nearly two years. The Huskies, now 13-5 overall and 5-2 in the Big East, face another challenge Tuesday as they host Butler at the XL Center.

UConn has struggled in close games this season, with a 4-4 record in contests decided by five points or fewer. This contrasts sharply with their performance during their last two national championship runs, when they played only eight such games combined. The Huskies’ recent struggles have been exacerbated by injuries, including the absence of standout freshman Liam McNeeley, who has missed the last five games.

Forward Alex Karaban, a key player for UConn, tweaked his ankle in the second half of Saturday’s loss and is considered a game-time decision for Tuesday. “He didn’t practice (Monday), but he shot, so we’ll see how he feels with that ankle,” said head coach Dan Hurley. “It’s a sprain, I don’t think it’s as bad as the one he had last year against Providence.”

Butler, meanwhile, enters the game with momentum after snapping a nine-game losing streak with an 82-77 win over Seton Hall on Wednesday. The Bulldogs, now 8-10 overall and 1-6 in the Big East, are led by Pierre Brooks II, who scored 19 points in their recent victory. Forward Patrick McCaffery and center Andre Screen also pose a threat, having combined for 34 points and 15 rebounds in their previous matchup against UConn.

Hurley emphasized the need for his team to regain its defensive edge. “We’ve given up close to 47% from the field in Big East or high-major games this year,” he said. “Our past teams, even in years with early tournament exits, were holding people to 40%. We’ve got to get our toughness back.”

Despite their recent struggles, UConn holds a 10-0 all-time record against Butler, including a 78-74 victory at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Dec. 21. However, the Bulldogs’ frontcourt has proven to be a challenge for the Huskies, who have been outrebounded in four of their six Big East games this season.

Fifth-year point guard Hassan Diarra remains optimistic about the team’s ability to bounce back. “These games are tougher, they’re grittier, it’s good to be a part of,” Diarra said. “We have to continue to do the right things so we can come out on the right side of them.”

Tuesday’s game will also serve as a prelude to UConn’s annual Coaches vs. Cancer event on Jan. 29 against DePaul. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in cancer awareness initiatives, including free screenings and memorial buttons featuring photos of loved ones affected by the disease.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at the XL Center, with the game airing on FS1. UConn is favored by 13 points, but Butler’s recent resurgence and UConn’s injury concerns could make for a tightly contested matchup.