UCLA vs. UConn: Live Updates and March Madness Showdown
All eyes are on Sunday’s NCAA Tournament second-round game between UCLA and UConn, a matchup promising intensity both on and off the court. The contrasting styles of coaching – Dan Hurley and Mick Cronin – are sure to draw attention, but ultimately, the game will be decided by performance on the hardwood. Will UConn advance to the Sweet 16, or will UCLA pull off an upset?
UConn’s Path to the Second Round
The No. 2 seeded Huskies had a bit of a challenge against No. 15 Furman, ultimately securing an 82-71 victory. UConn faced some adversity being shorthanded, with point guards Silas Demary Jr. and Jaylin Stewart unavailable. The team’s resilience will be tested again today.
UCLA’s First Round Victory
UCLA demonstrated their strength in the first round, defeating UCF 75-71. While controlling much of the game, the Bruins experienced some tense moments late. Eric Dailey Jr. led the scoring with 20 points, supported by Trent Perry and Xavier Booker with 15 points each.
Key Player Availability
The availability of Silas Demary Jr. is a crucial factor for UConn. Listed as questionable due to an ankle injury sustained in the Big East Tournament, his return would significantly boost the Huskies’ offense and defense. His presence on the bench at the start of the game is a positive sign for UConn fans.
What’s at Stake
The winner of this highly anticipated game will advance to the Sweet 16, where they will face No. 3 seed Michigan State in Washington D.C. The pressure is on for both teams to deliver a strong performance and keep their championship dreams alive.
Live Game Updates
HIT REFRESH FOR UPDATES
- Early Struggles: Both teams are experiencing early turnovers, leading to a slow offensive start. The score is UCLA 14-12 with 11:47 left in the first half.
- Demary Jr. Returns: A welcome sight for UConn fans as Silas Demary Jr. enters the game after missing the first-round win due to an ankle injury.
- Three-Point Exchange: A flurry of three-pointers from both teams keeps the game exciting. Donovan Dent and Alex Karaban trade triples, followed by Xavier Booker adding another for UCLA.
- UCLA Leads: UCLA maintains a slight lead, 14-11, at the under-16 media timeout.
- Fast Start for UCLA: Skyy Clark gets UCLA on the board first with a fast break layup, giving them an early 2-0 lead.
Starting Lineups
UConn:
- Malachi Smith (Guard)
- Solo Ball (Guard)
- Tarris Reed Jr. (Center)
- Alex Karaban (Forward)
- Braylon Mullins (Guard)
UCLA:
- Trent Perry (Guard)
- Xavier Booker (Forward/Center)
- Donovan Dent (Guard)
- Eric Dailey Jr (Guard/Forward)
- Skyy Clark (Guard)
Game Details
- Time: 8:45 p.m. ET, Sunday
- TV/Streaming: TNT, Fubo
- Odds (as of 1 p.m. Sunday):
- Moneyline: UConn (-200); UCLA (+165)
- Spread: UConn (-4.5)
- Over/under total: 136.5
Coaching Matchup
The dynamic between UConn’s Dan Hurley and UCLA’s Mick Cronin is one to watch. Both coaches are known for their intensity and passion. Cronin dismissed concerns about perceptions, stating, “You want to win big? Do you think Coach Hurley’s not supposed to be intense? We’re not coaching Little League.”
UConn’s Dominant Performance
In their first-round win, UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. delivered a historic performance, scoring 31 points and grabbing 27 rebounds – the first player since 1968 to achieve such a feat in an NCAA Tournament game. Coach Hurley praised Reed’s performance as “as good as you are ever going to see it.”
Stay tuned for continued updates as the UCLA vs. UConn showdown unfolds!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY.
