In a tightly contested college basketball game, No. 1 UConn secured a narrow victory over Villanova with a final score of 66-65, although Villanova covered the spread with a last-second half-court heave. UConn's performance was marked by critical runs in response to Villanova taking the lead, with an 11-0 run in the first half and a 13-0 run in the second half. Tristen Newton was pivotal in the win, contributing 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, including clutch baskets in the final minutes. Despite not shooting well and not covering as a 4-point road favorite, UConn's defense was instrumental in their road win, improving their record to 17-2 overall and 7-1 in Big East play. The victory was significant as UConn is the defending national champion and faced a challenging road ahead with games against Creighton, Marquette, and St. John's.
ViewFromVegas of #CBB: No. 1 UConn escaped with 66-65 win at Villanova, but didn't cover as 4-point road fave; West Virginia upset No. 3 Kansas 91-85 (correction) as 10-point home underdog (+425 moneyline); Pittsburgh upset No. 7 Duke 80-76 as 12.5-point road dog (+600 moneyline)
ViewFromVegas of #CBB: No. 1 UConn escaped with 66-65 win at Villanova, but didn't cover as 4-point road favorite; West Virginia upset No. 4 North Carolina 91-85 as 10-point home underdog (+425 moneyline); Pittsburgh upset No. 7 Duke 80-76 as 12.5-point road dog (+600 moneyline)
Bad beat: UConn survives but Villanova covers with last-second half-court heave https://t.co/6YtBTVL11x https://t.co/mxxG129Duw
No. 1 UConn survives battle with Villanova https://t.co/gkH2JCBtUG https://t.co/WMW55Xw5br
No. 1 UConn SURVIVES a nail-biter against Villanova ‼️ Tristen Newton: ▪️23 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST https://t.co/16TLgVkJP9
FINAL: No. 1 UConn 66, Villanova 65 UConn went on a big run both times Villanova took the lead and then had an answer each time the Wildcats tied the game in the final minutes. Clutch baskets from Tristen Newton (25 points) and a huge 3 from Alex Karaban.
No. 1 UConn didn’t shoot it well, but grinds it out with its defense for the road win at Villanova. The defending national champs are now 17-2 overall and 7-1 in Big East play. Still have to go on the road to Creighton, Marquette and St. John’s.
HUSKIES HANG ON! 💥@UConnMBB survive, 66-65 against Villanova! https://t.co/MCj51DwY29
HUSKIES HANG ON! 💥 @UConnMBB survive, 66-62 against Villanova! https://t.co/lxOTer0k8b
Great late game action right now. Pittsburgh up five at Duke. UConn up two at Villanova. Both in the final minutes.
Villanova has taken the lead twice against UConn tonight. In the first half, UConn responded with an 11-0 run. In the second half, UConn responded with a 13-0 run.