UConn Routs Xavier 93-68 in Big East Tournament Quarterfinals

Huskies bounce back from recent loss with dominant performance at Madison Square Garden

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:52am

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The No. 2 UConn men's basketball team returned to action in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals, routing No. 10 Xavier 93-68 at Madison Square Garden. The Huskies, who were coming off a loss to Marquette, shot the lights out early and dominated the boards, leading by as much as 22 points in the first half. Tarris Reed Jr. led the way with a double-double, while Alex Karaban and Solo Ball also had strong offensive showings for UConn.

Why it matters

This was a crucial bounce-back win for UConn, who had suffered a tough loss to Marquette just days earlier. The Huskies needed to regain their offensive rhythm and defensive intensity ahead of the Big East semifinals and potential NCAA Tournament run. The dominant performance against Xavier demonstrated UConn's ability to respond to adversity and reaffirmed their status as one of the top teams in the country.

The details

UConn jumped out to a double-digit lead early, thanks to excellent shooting and offensive rebounding. Tarris Reed Jr. led the way with 11 first-half points and a double-double, while Alex Karaban and Solo Ball also contributed offensively. The Huskies' smothering defense limited Xavier's open looks, and UConn took a 50-30 lead into halftime. In the second half, Xavier made a push to get back in the game, but UConn adjusted and maintained control, cruising to the 93-68 victory.

  • The game took place on Thursday, March 13, 2026 in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden.

The players

Tarris Reed Jr.

A Michigan transfer who led UConn with a double-double, snagging four offensive rebounds and scoring 11 first-half points.

Alex Karaban

The UConn forward had an excellent first half, recording 11 points, including three made three-pointers.

Solo Ball

The UConn guard had a solid 10-point first half, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line.

Filip Borovicanin

The Xavier forward led the Musketeers with 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting.

Roddie Anderson III

The Xavier guard scored 10 points on 4-of-4 shooting.

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What they’re saying

“Tarris is the difference between us winning this tournament. Tarris is the difference between us getting to the Final Four. That combination of Tarris and Eric [Reibe], the best version of Tarris is one of the best centers in the country.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn

“[Offensive rebounding] opens up the whole court for us. Just demoralizes the defense. Being able to guard 30 seconds, giving up an offensive rebound is so demoralizing, even for us.”

— Tarris Reed Jr., Forward, UConn

“We had to play a little smarter. We kind of had an idea of what they were trying to do; when they got in the paint, to stay solid. I think we're able to make those kinds of adjustments and play well.”

— Jayden Ross, Forward, UConn

“We're in March, so you don't want to look back in March knowing you could have done more. So, I'm just doing as much as I can.”

— Jayden Ross, Forward, UConn

What’s next

UConn will face the winner of No. 3 Villanova and No. 11 Georgetown in the Big East Tournament semifinals on Friday night, with the winner advancing to the tournament finals.

The takeaway

This dominant win over Xavier was a crucial bounce-back performance for UConn, who demonstrated their ability to respond to a recent setback and reasserted their status as one of the top teams in the country. The Huskies' combination of offensive firepower, defensive intensity, and dominance on the boards makes them a formidable opponent as they continue their pursuit of a Big East title and potential NCAA Tournament run.