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AI summary:
For a UConn fan, this was a gritty, uneven win that showed both depth and resilience. The Huskies didn’t shoot particularly well overall (45% from the field), and several starters struggled to find rhythm, but they won the possession battle and eventually wore Providence down. UConn finished with 87 points, out-rebounded the Friars 37–35, and generated 23 assists, a big number that reflects ball movement even when shots weren’t falling cleanly.
The story of the night was the frontcourt and bench impact. Tarris Reed Jr. was a force inside, going 8-for-9 from the floor with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks, completely changing the game when he was on the court. Eric Reibe was flawless offensively (6-for-6, 14 points, 8 boards), giving UConn interior efficiency Providence couldn’t match. UConn also dominated the offensive glass (15 offensive rebounds), creating extra chances that steadily broke Providence’s resistance.
The guards had a mixed night shooting, but they made winning plays. Silas Demary Jr. and Malachi Smith combined for 13 assists and hit timely threes, while Alex Karaban filled the stat sheet with 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 blocks despite a rough shooting night. Providence got strong efforts from Jamiir Jones and Jaylin Sellers, but UConn’s depth, rim protection, and extra possessions ultimately decided it. Not a masterpiece — but the kind of physical, grown-up win that good teams stack as the season moves on.