Braylon Mullins leads UConn to big halftime lead over Xavier

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Braylon Mullins, UConn's breakout freshman star, scored 10 of the Huskies' first 12 points and finished the first half with a team-high 13 points as UConn built a commanding 50-22 lead over Xavier, the Huskies' largest halftime advantage in Big East play in three years.

Why it matters

Mullins has emerged as UConn's top scoring option in Big East play, and his dominant first-half performance against Xavier suggests the Huskies have a potential superstar in the making. UConn's ability to build such a large lead on the road against a quality Xavier squad also demonstrates the team's growth and potential this season.

The details

Mullins scored UConn's first points on an open 3-pointer and then added a mid-range and-one finish, two dunks, and other buckets to account for 10 of the Huskies' first 12 points. UConn as a team shot an impressive 1.43 points per possession in the first half, one of their most efficient halves this season. Tarris Reed added 10 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting, while Silas Demary dished out a team-high 6 assists and hit 3 three-pointers.

• UConn led DePaul 51-19 at halftime on March 1, 2023, the Huskies' largest Big East halftime lead in the last 3 years.
• UConn and Xavier last faced off on New Year's Eve, with Mullins scoring a career-high 17 points in that game.

What’s next

UConn will look to maintain its large lead and secure a crucial Big East victory over Xavier in the second half.