UConn Defeats UCLA to Reach Sweet 16

Senior Alex Karaban leads Huskies with career-high 27 points

Mar. 23, 2026 at 9:25am

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The second-seeded UConn Huskies defeated the seventh-seeded UCLA Bruins 73-57 in the NCAA Tournament's second round to advance to the Sweet 16. Senior Alex Karaban scored a career-high 27 points to lead the Huskies, who also got 17 points from freshman Braylon Mullins. UConn will face third-seeded Michigan State in the East Region semifinals.

Why it matters

This win marks UConn's return to the Sweet 16 after being eliminated in the second round last year. The Huskies are seeking their third national championship, which would cap a successful four-year career for veteran Alex Karaban.

The details

Karaban stepped up with a dominant performance, hitting key shots to lead UConn's offense after other players struggled. The Huskies trailed early but went on a 14-0 run in the second half to pull away. UCLA's Xavier Booker had 12 points in the first half but was held in check after that, as the Bruins shot just 33.3% in the second half.

  • UConn and UCLA met for the second time in the NCAA Tournament, with the Bruins defeating the Huskies in 1995 on their way to the national title.

The players

Alex Karaban

A senior at UConn who scored a career-high 27 points to lead the Huskies to victory.

Braylon Mullins

A freshman at UConn who added 17 points to support Karaban's big game.

Xavier Booker

A UCLA player who scored 12 points in the first half but was held in check in the second half.

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What’s next

UConn will face third-seeded Michigan State in the East Region semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This game showcased UConn's depth and resilience, as they turned to veteran Alex Karaban to carry the offense when others struggled. The Huskies' ability to make key adjustments and get contributions from multiple players bodes well for their continued tournament run.