Alex Karaban had a team-high 16 points on four 3-pointers as No. 2 UConn rolled to a 74-60 win over host Providence in Saturday night’s Big East regular-season finale.
The Huskies (28-3, 18-2) never looked back after an extended 33-5 run over 12:02 to finish the first half and set a Big East record for wins during the conference season.
All five UConn starters scored in double figures, including Stephon Castle, who added 14 points. Tristen Newton had 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Donovan Clingan (11 points) and Cam Spencer (10) rounded out UConn’s top scorers.
Devin Carter had a game-high 24 points and 15 rebounds for Providence (19-12, 10-10).
Josh Oduro added 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Carter scored 15 points in the first half.
Providence jumped out to a 7-0 lead in just 1:15 before Clingan dunked for UConn’s first points. Carter also rattled in a deep three that contributed to an 8-0 run that built a 15-2 lead.
After a Carter jumper 4:01 into the half, the Huskies went on a 14-4 run that was capped by Newton’s 3-pointer with 10 minutes left in the half.
Carter slammed home a transition dunk to increase the Friars’ lead to 21-16, but the visitors rattled off eight straight points and took its first lead on a Castle three with 6:56 left before halftime.
The Huskies scored the last 12 first-half points. Karaban and Spencer hit back-to-back threes to start the run, and Hassan Diarra banked one in at the buzzer.
UConn continued its onslaught after the break, connecting on its first three field goals from distance. Karaban hit two of those during an 11-5 start to run the lead to 51-29.
Samson Johnson highlighted the Huskies’ half with consecutive finishes at the basket before the halfway mark of the second half, including a tip-in of Newton’s high pass and a dunk.
–Field Level Media
