UConn’s Depth Shines in Tight Win Over Providence, Extends Win Streak to 16
STORRS - In a season where UConn’s starting five has often carried the load, Tuesday night was a reminder that championship teams need more than just stars - they need depth. And against a gritty Providence squad, the Huskies’ bench delivered in a big way.
With freshman standout Braylon Mullins sidelined due to a concussion, the second-ranked Huskies leaned on reserves Malachi Smith and Eric Reibe, who answered the call in a high-stakes Big East battle. The duo combined for 26 points in UConn’s 87-81 win at Gampel Pavilion - a game that was tight from tip to buzzer, as you’d expect in a rivalry matchup like this.
Bench Boost at the Right Time
Let’s be clear: UConn’s bench hadn’t exactly been lighting it up lately. Over the last five games, the Huskies were averaging just 7.6 points from their reserves - including a mere three points in their last matchup against Providence. But Tuesday night, Smith and Reibe flipped the script.
Smith was electric, pouring in 12 points while dishing out seven assists and swiping two steals. He knocked down all four of his 3-point attempts - a career-high - and each one felt like a momentum-changer.
Reibe, meanwhile, was a model of efficiency. He went a perfect 6-for-6 from the field for 12 points, pulled down eight boards, and added two blocks in just 21 minutes.
His presence was felt on both ends, especially when starting center Tarris Reed Jr. found himself in foul trouble early in the second half.
The Big Three Close It Out
UConn led for 36 minutes, but Providence never went away - and it took the Huskies’ core trio of Reed, Alex Karaban, and Solo Ball to finally put the game on ice.
Reed didn’t dominate in his usual fashion but still managed to lead the team with 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting. He added six rebounds and three blocks, and his late-game steal and coast-to-coast dunk with under a minute left sealed the deal.
Ball had a tough shooting night (5-for-18), but he found ways to contribute, finishing with 17 points and hitting a clutch three late. Karaban also struggled from the field (3-for-14), but his stat line was still impactful: eight points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. When the game got tight, the Big Three delivered - combining for 15 straight points in the closing stretch.
Demary Delivers in the Clutch
Silas Demary Jr. quietly had one of his most complete performances of the season. He dropped 15 points with four rebounds and six assists, and his back-to-back threes in the second half - including one just 17 seconds after the first - helped UConn weather a Providence surge. He also forced a key turnover and drew a flagrant foul late, giving the Huskies a critical extra possession when things were still very much in the balance.
Providence Brings the Fight
Credit to Kim English’s Friars - they came into a hostile environment and didn’t flinch. Even without leading scorer Jason Edwards (foot), Providence kept pace behind a disruptive 2-3 zone and the spark of freshman Jamier Jones, who scored seven straight during a first-half run. Stefan Vaaks hit a big three to cut the deficit to one early in the second half, and the Friars clawed back again late, trimming UConn’s lead to a single point with under seven minutes to play.
But in the end, UConn’s firepower - and depth - proved too much.
Numbers That Matter
- UConn shot 41.9% in the first half and went 6-for-12 from beyond the arc.
- Providence actually had a better field goal percentage in the first half (48.1%) but only attempted three threes, making just one.
- The Huskies improved to 20-1 overall and a perfect 10-0 in Big East play.
- It’s their 16th straight win and eighth consecutive victory over Providence.
What’s Next
With Mullins still in concussion protocol, UConn may need continued production from its bench in the games ahead. But if Tuesday night is any indication, the Huskies are more than just their starting five. They’re a deep, resilient group - one that just keeps finding ways to win.
And with March creeping closer, that’s exactly what you want to see.