URGENT UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the No. 3 UConn Huskies suffered a 71-67 defeat against the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats on November 15, 2023. The loss came just 90 minutes before tipoff when UConn announced that starting senior center Tarris Reed Jr. would be sidelined due to a sprained ankle. Reed, who has averaged 20.0 points and 9.3 rebounds this season, is currently considered game-to-game.
The absence of Reed proved to be a game-changer for UConn, as Arizona capitalized on their weakened frontcourt, dominating the paint throughout the matchup. The Wildcats showcased their physicality, out-rebounding UConn 43-23, including a staggering 16 second-chance points from 13 offensive rebounds.
“We got punked,” said UConn head coach Dan Hurley. “It’s going to be a bad film session coming out of here.”
Arizona’s attacking strategy was evident from the start, with Koa Peat making his mark early, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. The Wildcats’ aggressive approach paid off, as they won the overall paint battle 42-24.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd emphasized the importance of physical play, stating, “If you’re not up for the physical fight, it’s going to be tough to win on the road.” His team demonstrated this mindset effectively, proving their dominance on both ends of the floor.
Despite Reed’s absence, UConn’s Eric Reibe stepped up, scoring 15 points and hitting two crucial three-pointers in the second half. However, the rest of the team struggled to match Arizona’s intensity, as the Wildcats’ young stars shined brightly.
Freshman standout Jaden Bradley was instrumental for Arizona, contributing 21 points and sealing the victory with a layup in the final moments. Lloyd praised Bradley’s composure, saying, “When you have a point guard who is selfless and also a baller… it’s pretty special.”
This win significantly boosts Arizona’s profile, as they have now secured victories against three top teams—Florida, UCLA, and UConn—all on the road. The Wildcats are now poised to claim the top spot in the upcoming AP Poll, a feat not achieved by many teams early in the season.
As the UConn Huskies regroup after this setback, they will need to address their interior defense and overall physicality moving forward. The immediate future holds uncertainties regarding Reed’s recovery, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how the team will adapt to the challenges ahead.
Expect to see more developments as UConn prepares for their next matchup, while Arizona looks to maintain their winning momentum in the coming weeks.
