In a thrilling showdown at Madison Square Garden, Braylon Mullins propelled the UConn Huskies into the Big East Tournament championship game with an impressive 21-point performance, leading to a 67-51 victory over the No. 11 seed Georgetown. This win marks UConn's second appearance in the final in three years, setting up a highly anticipated clash with reigning champions St. John’s.
The Huskies, boasting a 29-4 record and holding the No. 2 seed, demonstrated their prowess under Coach Dan Hurley, improving their semifinal record to 2-4. Georgetown's remarkable run as a No. 11 seed, reminiscent of Villanova’s 2004 journey, concluded after notable victories over DePaul and Villanova. UConn's triumph also completed a season sweep against the Hoyas, though their regular-season encounters were nail-biters, decided by a mere five points combined.
Silas Demary Jr. orchestrated the Huskies' offense with finesse, contributing 10 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, leading to an efficient 47.5% shooting night. UConn's depth was on full display as Jayden Ross and Eric Reibe each added eight points, while Tarris Reed Jr. chipped in with seven rebounds and a career-high eight assists. Alex Karaban and Solo Ball also made their presence felt with seven points each.
The game kicked off with a bang as UConn surged to a 9-2 lead, fueled by Mullins' seven consecutive points. Although Georgetown narrowed the gap, Ross provided a spark off the bench with a crucial offensive rebound and assist. Karaban’s three-pointer, Reed’s inside finish, and Demary’s steal leading to a fastbreak dunk for Ross ignited the first “U-C-O-N-N” chant, pushing the lead to 20-12.
Despite Ball sitting with two early fouls, UConn’s defense remained staunch, employing a two-point guard lineup with Demary and Malachi Smith that restricted Georgetown to 32.1% shooting in the first half. The Huskies forced seven turnovers and stifled the Hoyas' offense, holding them scoreless from the field for the final 3:19 of the half. Reed's defensive prowess shone with three blocks, one of which set up a fastbreak layup for Mullins, who excelled with 15 first-half points, reminiscent of his career-high performance against Creighton.
The second half saw UConn finding their rhythm from beyond the arc, sinking three of their first four attempts. Ball, Mullins, and Demary each connected from deep, stretching the lead to 14. Georgetown attempted a comeback with an 8-2 run, but Demary’s clutch assist to Ross for a buzzer-beating three-pointer stymied their momentum.
As the Hoyas clawed back to within eight, Reed’s cross-court pass set up another corner three for Ross, maintaining an 11-point cushion. UConn's shooting efficiency soared above 50% in the second half, and they finally pulled away as Georgetown endured a six-and-a-half-minute scoring drought. Demary sealed the deal with his second three-pointer, extending the lead to 19 in the closing minutes.
With this commanding win, UConn stands poised to challenge St. John’s for the Big East crown, aiming to secure their ninth tournament title and etch their name in the history books.