PHILADELPHIA – The UConn Huskies are heading to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament after defeating the UCLA Bruins 45-33 in a tightly contested second-round matchup on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The game, played at the Palestra in Philadelphia, saw UConn overcome a determined UCLA squad, securing their place in the next stage of the tournament. The Huskies will face Michigan State in Washington D.C. Next week.
UConn, the No. 2 seed in the East Region, entered the game with a 30-5 record, having previously defeated Furman 82-71 in the first round. UCLA, seeded seventh, advanced with a 75-71 victory over UCF. This marked only the second-ever meeting between the two basketball powerhouses, with UCLA winning the first encounter in 1995.
First Half Battle
The first half saw both teams feeling each other out, with UConn taking a narrow 38-33 lead into the break. UCLA’s offense showed flashes of success, but UConn’s defense proved stifling, limiting the Bruins’ scoring opportunities. According to game stats from ESPN, UConn shot 46% from the field in the first half, while UCLA managed 45%.
Second Half Surge
UConn extended their lead in the second half, capitalizing on UCLA turnovers and efficient shooting. The Huskies’ win probability remained consistently high throughout the second half, reaching 83.8% according to ESPN Analytics. A key moment came with a three-pointer from Alex Karaban, assisted by Silas Demary Jr., extending UConn’s lead. UCLA struggled to find consistent offense, shooting just 40% from the field in the second half.
Key Performances
Alex Karaban led UConn with 19 points, shooting 7-of-14 from the field and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. Trent Reed Jr. Added 4 points and 5 rebounds for the Huskies. For UCLA, Xavier Booker paced the offense with 12 points, while S. Clark contributed 9 points. UConn’s dominance on the free-throw line, shooting 91% (10-of-11), proved crucial in securing the victory.
Silas Demary Jr.’s Status
The Huskies were without a starting point guard for the NCAA opener, with Silas Demary Jr. Listed as questionable. He played 11 minutes in the first half and was scoreless. His presence, or lack thereof, was a storyline heading into the game, as UConn hoped to have their point guard back after being shorthanded against Furman.
Game Statistics
Here’s a quick look at the final box score:
| Team | Points | FG% | 3PT% | Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCLA | 33 | 45% | 40% | 22 | 10 | 10 |
| UConn | 45 | 46% | 39% | 25 | 12 | 12 |
Looking Ahead
With this win, UConn advances to the Sweet 16, where they will face a tough test against No. 3 seed Michigan State. The Huskies will need to maintain their strong defensive play and efficient offense to continue their tournament run. The game in Washington D.C. Promises to be a thrilling matchup between two storied basketball programs.
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