Overview

• UConn Huskies began their title defense with a commanding 95-52 victory over Northern Arizona, leveraging their height advantage to dominate the game.
• Top performer for UConn was forward Alex Karaban, who scored a game-high 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, demonstrating a strong shooting game with a success rate of 8 of 12.
• The Huskies proved their effectiveness on both ends of the court by outrebounding Northern Arizona 50-27 and registering a 50-30 advantage in points in the paint, along with blocking 10 shots.
• Northern Arizona's performance was hampered by the absence of 6-foot-8 forwards Carson Towt and Jack Wistrcill due to injury.
• UConn, who had lost top players to the NBA, proved their resilience with five of their players scoring in double figures including Tristen Newton, Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, and Samson Johnson alongside Karaban.