UConn falls short in national title game despite physical play

Huskies' shooting woes prove costly in 69-63 loss to Michigan

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes of basketball players, balls, and court lines in a palette of navy, orange, and silver, conveying the intense physicality and competitive spirit of the championship matchup.UConn's physical effort and defensive intensity couldn't overcome their shooting woes in the national title game loss to Michigan.Storrs Today

UConn executed coach Dan Hurley's game plan, playing physical and controlling the pace against Michigan in the national championship game. However, the Huskies' shooters struggled, with fabulous freshman Braylon Mullins, senior Alex Karaban, and big man Tarris Reed Jr. all having off nights from the field. UConn shot a season-low 30.9% overall and 27.3% from 3-point range, unable to overcome Michigan's physical 'bully ball' style despite keeping the game close.

Why it matters

This loss ends UConn's chance to become the first team since UCLA in the 1960s and 70s to win three national titles in four seasons. The Huskies' shooting woes in the title game thwarted their opportunity to cement their place in college basketball history.

The details

UConn's physical play and defensive effort held Michigan to its worst shooting performance of the tournament at 38.2%. But the Huskies' own shooters, led by Mullins, Karaban, and Reed, struggled mightily, combining to shoot just 30.9% from the field and 27.3% from 3-point range. UConn's foul trouble, with Solo Ball, Silas Demary Jr., and Tarris Reed all picking up multiple fouls in the first half, also hampered their ability to maintain their aggressive style.

  • UConn's 19-game winning streak in the NCAA Tournament since the second round ended with this loss.
  • This was UConn's first loss in a national championship game, having previously won all six of their title game appearances.

The players

Dan Hurley

Head coach of the UConn Huskies men's basketball team.

Braylon Mullins

Fabulous freshman for the UConn Huskies, struggled shooting in the title game loss.

Alex Karaban

Senior forward for the UConn Huskies, who was seeking to become the first player to win three national titles since UCLA's dynasty in the 1960s and 70s.

Tarris Reed Jr.

Big man for the UConn Huskies, who had 13 points and 14 rebounds but shot just 4-of-12 from the field.

Solo Ball

UConn guard who dealt with foul trouble, finishing with 11 points but no assists.

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What they’re saying

“This is where you wanted to be. It hasn't set in yet. On the flight (Monday) it'll set in, on the bus ride back. Eventually it'll hit you that you were close to pulling off what would have been a historic third championship. But this team just gave us so much this year — just didn't make enough shots.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach

“We came up short, missed some shots we normally make, but we gave it our all.”

— Alex Karaban, Senior Forward

“It's definitely frustrating not being on the court for that long, and it hurts my team at the moment. But this has been the most fun year of my life with this group of guys, and I just cherish this team.”

— Solo Ball, Guard

What’s next

UConn will look to reload for another championship run next season, as they lose key seniors like Alex Karaban but bring back a talented core including Braylon Mullins.

The takeaway

Despite UConn's physical effort and defensive intensity, their inability to make shots on the biggest stage ultimately cost them a chance at a historic third national title in four years. This loss underscores the importance of balanced scoring and consistent shooting, even for a team known for its defensive prowess.