RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – UConn’s improbable bid for a third straight national title continued when Alex Karaban came through with a critical 3-pointer and a floater in the lane during a late run that helped the Huskies hold off Oklahoma 67-59 on Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Karaban had 13 points and seven rebounds for the Huskies (24-10), the No. 8 seed in the West Region who extended their March Madness winning streak to 13 games, tied with Duke from 1991-93 for the second-longest without missing a tournament.
Karaban’s 3 on the catch from the right wing at the 3:40 mark gave UConn a four-point lead, and he followed with the floater at the 2:18 mark that pushed UConn ahead 64-58. Solo Ball scored 14 points to help coach Dan Hurley’s Huskies advance to face top region seed Florida, a popular pick both to end UConn’s run and win the national title.
Freshman Jeremiah Fears had 20 points to lead the ninth-seeded Sooners (20-14), who shot 32.1% and made 3 of 17 3-pointers. Oklahoma managed just one field goal over the last 6 minutes. The Sooners were part of the Southeastern Conference’s record haul of 14 NCAA bids, though they were one of six SEC teams with a losing league record to get in. They went 7-14 after December.
UConn stands alongside Duke (1991-92) and Florida (2006-07) as the only teams to win back-to-back titles since UCLA’s run of seven straight from 1967-73. While they haven’t looked like a national title contender since they lost three straight games in Maui in November, they’re still alive for a three-peat after a tough offensive night that included freshman Liam McNeeley missing 11 of 13 shots. The Huskies face the Gators on Sunday.
ORLANDO, Fla. – On a night filled with March Madness excitement, Florida Gator fans gathered at Barkhaven to watch their team take center stage in the NCAA tournament. The atmosphere inside the local hotspot was electric, with more than 100 fans clad in orange and blue, eagerly reacting to each play. Many said it felt like a long-awaited return to prominence for Florida basketball.
“The atmosphere is incredible,” one fan said. “It’s been a long time coming for Florida basketball to be back in the spotlight. This team this year is incredible.” Barkhaven, owned by a fellow Gator alumnus, has become a go-to destination for fans during both football and basketball seasons.
The local Gator club often organizes viewing parties there, providing a space for alumni and supporters to come together. “The energy is just amazing,” another fan added. “You look around and see everyone; it’s multigenerational. My son and his wife even bring their baby. It’s a great place to reconnect and have a reunion.”
For some, the gathering was about more than just basketball. One attendee shared how special it was to watch the game alongside their father, visiting from out of town. “He lives so far away, so having him here watching the Gators play, there’s nothing better.” Fans are hoping the team’s winning streak continues, with many pledging to return to Barkhaven for every game.
“We were here for the SEC National Championship game and watched them win,” one loyal fan said. “We sat at this exact same table. I’m very superstitious. If they keep winning, I’ll be here every game.” As the Gators advance in the tournament, it’s clear Barkhaven will remain a hub of excitement for Orlando’s loyal fan base.
