The UConn men’s basketball team, currently ranked fifth nationally, is preparing to host East Texas A&M (ETAMU) at Gampel Pavilion this Friday. The game is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on Peacock and NBCSN. This matchup marks the second consecutive season the two teams have faced each other.
Previous Matchup
Last year, UConn triumphed over ETAMU with an impressive score of 81-46, solidifying their dominance in the lone two all-time meetings. In that encounter, UConn’s Solo Ball led the team with a strong performance, while the Huskies’ defense limited ETAMU to just 25.4 percent shooting.
Recent Performance
The Huskies are coming off a significant road victory over Kansas, marking their first win in Lawrence. This feat ended a 23-game home non-conference winning streak for the Jayhawks. UConn’s defensive effort in the second half was commendable, holding Kansas to 25.0 percent shooting.
Key players in the Kansas game included Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins, both scoring 17 points. Notably, Mullins also contributed five rebounds and a steal during his 23 minutes of playing time, showcasing his potential early in his career.
Current Rankings
UConn’s strong start, with a record of 7-1, highlights their effectiveness on both ends of the court. They rank among the top-10 nationally in several defensive categories, including scoring defense and effective field goal percentage against.
UConn Scoring Leaders
- Solo Ball: 14.6 points per game
- Alex Karaban: 13.8 points per game
- Silas Demary Jr.: 10.8 points per game, 5.6 assists
- Eric Reibe: 12.8 points and 6.7 rebounds in the last four games
About East Texas A&M
The Lions of East Texas A&M enter the matchup with a 4-3 record and are currently on a three-game winning streak. Recently, they secured the title at the FDU Basketball Classic in Tenafly, New Jersey, defeating Fairleigh Dickinson and Army.
ETAMU Key Players
- Ronnie Harrison: 14.0 points per game
- Damin Garcia: 10.8 points per game
- Vinny Sigona: 10.3 points per game
Following the game against ETAMU, UConn will continue their season on Tuesday, December 9, facing No. 15 Florida in the Jimmy V Classic, adding another challenge to their schedule.
