Philadelphia, PA — In an era where roster turnover has become the norm, Alex Karaban has chosen a different path—one rooted in loyalty, legacy, and winning with the UConn Huskies men’s basketball.
Despite multiple opportunities to leave for the NBA, Karaban stayed, chasing something bigger.
“I ultimately came back here to win,” Karaban said. “Every time I’ve had a decision to come back, I came back just wanting to win and help this team out, but also just enjoying every second I have in a UConn jersey.”
That decision paid off in a big way Sunday night.
Karaban poured in a career-high 27 points, leading UConn to a 73-57 victory over the UCLA Bruins men’s basketball in the NCAA Tournament, sending the Huskies back to the Sweet 16.
The second-seeded Huskies, now 31-5, will face the Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball in the next round as they continue their pursuit of another national title.
“When we got out of the first round, we become very dangerous because when Huskies get out of the first round, you start believing that a run is coming,” head coach Dan Hurley said.
Karaban set the tone early, carrying the offense in the first half with sharp shooting from deep. His perimeter scoring ignited a decisive 14-0 run in the second half that broke the game open and gave UConn full control.
UCLA struggled to respond, particularly without leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau, who remained sidelined with a knee injury. Xaiver Booker led the Bruins with 13 points, but the offense never found consistent rhythm.
“Can’t score, can’t win,” UCLA head coach Mick Cronin said.
Karaban’s performance electrified the crowd, which included actor Bill Murray, whose son is part of UConn’s coaching staff. Murray joined in the celebration as the Huskies pulled away for good.
UConn also got contributions across the board. Braylon Mullins added 17 points, while Tarris Reed Jr. followed up his historic first-round showing with a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds.
For Karaban, who has spent his entire college career at UConn, the moment represents another step in a journey defined by consistency and winning.
“No one’s been better in college sports the last four years in terms of being a winner,” Hurley said. “So, thank you, Alex.”
UCLA showed flashes, including a brief second-half lead sparked by Skyy Clark, who finished with 11 points. But the Bruins ultimately couldn’t keep pace and will exit the tournament before the Sweet 16 for the third straight year.
“I would like about five more million,” Cronin joked when asked what needs to change.
With momentum building and belief growing, UConn now turns its attention to the next challenge—still very much in the hunt for another championship run.
