UConn's veteran trio steps up to keep season alive

Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr. and Malachi Smith have been key to the Huskies' NCAA Tournament run

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The UConn men's basketball team is one win away from the Final Four thanks to the stellar play of three veteran players - Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr. and Malachi Smith. Despite some shooting struggles and injuries, the Huskies have kept advancing in the tournament due to the strong performances of this trio, who are determined to extend their collegiate careers as long as possible.

Why it matters

UConn's run to the Elite Eight has defied some expectations, as the Huskies have overcome adversity to reach this point. The play of Karaban, Reed and Smith has been crucial, as they have stepped up when the team's leading scorers have been limited. Their leadership and experience have been invaluable in guiding the Huskies through the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Tarris Reed Jr. has been dominant in the paint, recording a 31-point, 27-rebound performance in the first round against Furman - only the third time in NCAA Tournament history a player has posted a 30-20 game. Malachi Smith has provided steady play at point guard, limiting turnovers and making key plays off the bench. And Alex Karaban has been on a scoring tear, averaging 22 points per game in the tournament after struggling late in the regular season.

  • UConn defeated Furman 82-71 in the first round on March 24.
  • UConn defeated UCLA 72-61 in the second round on March 26.
  • UConn defeated Michigan State 67-65 in the Sweet 16 on March 27.

The players

Tarris Reed Jr.

A 6-foot-11 senior center who has been dominant in the paint for UConn, including a historic 31-point, 27-rebound performance in the first round.

Malachi Smith

A graduate transfer point guard who has provided steady play and key contributions off the bench, including limiting turnovers and making timely plays.

Alex Karaban

A senior forward who has been on a scoring tear in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 22 points per game after struggling late in the regular season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Without Malachi, we'd be cooked. We might have lost the Furman game.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

What’s next

UConn will face Duke in the Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31 at 5:05 PM ET. The winner will advance to the Final Four.

The takeaway

UConn's veteran trio of Tarris Reed Jr., Malachi Smith and Alex Karaban have stepped up in a big way during the NCAA Tournament, helping the Huskies overcome adversity and reach the Elite Eight. Their leadership, experience and timely performances have been crucial to UConn's tournament run, and they will need to continue playing at a high level if the Huskies hope to advance to the Final Four.