UConn Storms Back to Defeat Villanova in Big East Quarterfinal

NEW YORK — The UConn Huskies overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the Villanova Wildcats 73-56 in the Big East Tournament quarterfinal at Madison Square Garden on March 13, 2025. After trailing by five points at halftime, UConn surged in the second half, finishing the game with a commanding 22-5 run.

UConn junior forward Alex Karaban was instrumental in the comeback, scoring 15 of his 18 points in the second half. His performance included four three-pointers, showcasing his ability to deliver in critical moments. “I had to step up for our team, and this is the biggest stage right now,” Karaban said postgame. “I just had to flip that switch and be that confident player that I know I am.”

The game started with friction for UConn, who struggled with their three-point shooting and had difficulty guarding Villanova’s senior guard Wooga Poplar. Poplar led all scorers with 25 points in the game, but the UConn defense tightened in the second half, limiting not only Poplar but also senior forward Eric Dixon, who entered the contest as the country’s leading scorer. Dixon managed only eight points on 2-for-15 shooting.

UConn head coach Dan Hurley noted the importance of the team’s defensive effort, especially in the second half. “That’s what’s prevented us from being elite this year is our defense,” Hurley said, praising his team’s rebounding and scoring abilities. The Huskies shot 57.8% from the field in the second half, a stark contrast to Villanova’s 31.9% shooting for the game.

With the win, UConn advances to face No. 2 seed Creighton in the semifinals on Friday night, a matchup described by Hurley as a unique opportunity against quality opponents. “Taking the court with programs like Marquette and Creighton is always an honor,” he said, highlighting the significance of competing against strong teams in the tournament.

In terms of statistics, UConn out-rebounded Villanova 31-22 and excelled in bench scoring, outpacing the Wildcats’ bench 19-2. Senior center Sampson Johnson contributed 11 points to seal the victory for UConn, who displayed resilience and determination throughout the contest.

As the tournament progresses, Karaban and his teammates are focused on maintaining their momentum. “We just wanted to keep going. We knew that we could break them at some point,” he said regarding their strategy. “If we stayed disciplined on the defensive end in the second half, we could get whatever we wanted.”

The victory not only propels UConn into the semifinals but also builds their confidence as they look to enhance their performance throughout the remainder of the tournament.