UConn Huskies Advance to Sweet 16 for Third Time in Four Years

The Huskies beat UCLA Bruins in second round, continuing their NCAA Tournament success.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 4:34am

The UConn Huskies have advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the last four years after defeating the UCLA Bruins in the second round. UConn, a college basketball powerhouse that has won two straight national championships in 2023 and 2024, pulled away from UCLA in the second half to secure the victory and continue their tournament run.

Why it matters

UConn's continued success in the NCAA Tournament solidifies their status as one of the elite programs in college basketball. Their ability to consistently make deep tournament runs demonstrates the strength of their program and the talent of their players. This latest Sweet 16 appearance is another milestone in the Huskies' ongoing dynasty.

The details

In the second-round matchup, four UConn players scored in double figures, led by Alex Karaban's 27 points. The Huskies outscored UCLA 35-24 in the second half to pull away for the win. UConn finished the regular season with a 31-5 overall record and a 17-3 mark in Big East conference play, earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

  • UConn defeated Furman in the first round on March 21, 2026.
  • UConn beat UCLA in the second round on March 23, 2026.
  • UConn will play Michigan State in the Sweet 16 on March 27, 2026 at 9:45 p.m. ET.

The players

UConn Huskies

A college basketball powerhouse that has won two straight national championships in 2023 and 2024, and is now making its third Sweet 16 appearance in the last four years.

Alex Karaban

The leading scorer for UConn in the win over UCLA, pouring in 27 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 4-of-8 from three-point range.

Braylon Mullins

A key contributor for UConn, scoring 17 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in the second-round victory.

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What’s next

The UConn Huskies will face the Michigan State Spartans in the Sweet 16 on March 27, 2026 at 9:45 p.m. ET, with a chance to advance to the Elite Eight.

The takeaway

UConn's continued success in the NCAA Tournament, including this latest Sweet 16 appearance, solidifies their status as one of the premier programs in college basketball. Their ability to consistently make deep tournament runs is a testament to the strength of their program and the talent of their players.