UConn Looks to Limit Turnovers Against Xavier in Big East Quarterfinal

Coach Dan Hurley emphasizes ball control as Huskies aim to avoid repeat of recent struggles

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:35pm

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The sixth-ranked UConn Huskies will face the 10th-seeded Xavier Musketeers in the Big East tournament quarterfinals, with UConn coach Dan Hurley urging his team to limit turnovers after they cost them in two of their three conference losses this season. UConn had 15 turnovers in a loss to St. John's and 16 in a defeat at Marquette, and Hurley says the team must be more disciplined with the ball to avoid a similar fate against Xavier.

Why it matters

UConn is one of the top teams in the country, but their tendency to turn the ball over has been a recurring issue that has resulted in some unexpected losses. Limiting turnovers will be crucial if the Huskies want to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament after winning the national title two years ago.

The details

UConn finished one game behind St. John's for the top seed in the Big East tournament, with turnovers playing a major role in two of their three conference losses. The Huskies committed 15 turnovers in an 81-72 loss to St. John's on Feb. 6 and 16 turnovers in a 68-62 defeat at Marquette on Saturday. UConn shot just 35.6% from the field and a season-worst 12.5% from 3-point range in the Marquette loss.

  • UConn lost to St. John's on February 6, 2026.
  • UConn lost to Marquette on March 9, 2026.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies men's basketball team.

Silas Demary Jr.

A UConn player who committed four turnovers in the loss to Marquette.

Tarris Reed Jr.

A UConn player who scored 16 points in the loss to Marquette.

Alex Karaban

A UConn player who struggled, shooting 2 points in the loss to Marquette.

Solo Ball

A UConn player who has shot poorly over his past five games, including the loss to Marquette.

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What they’re saying

“They've been a nightmare for this team. It will potentially be this team's undoing.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

“The players have got to be more disciplined, they can't just take the ball and turn it over... We should be past that.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

“We understand they run a very unique offense. They shoot the basketball extremely well. They're very, very physical.”

— Richard Pitino, Xavier Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the UConn-Xavier quarterfinal will face the winner of the Villanova-Georgetown game in the Big East tournament semifinals on Friday.

The takeaway

UConn's tendency to turn the ball over has been a recurring issue that has cost them in key games this season. If the Huskies want to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, they will need to shore up their ball handling and decision-making to avoid similar costly turnovers.