UConn Defeats Oklahoma, Extends Tourney Streak to 13 Wins

The University of Connecticut men’s basketball team continued its dominant run in the NCAA tournament, securing a hard-fought 67-59 victory over Oklahoma in the first round. The win marked UConn’s 13th consecutive tournament victory, tying the record set by the Duke Blue Devils from 1991 to 1993 for the longest winning streak since the tournament expanded in 1985.

Head coach Dan Hurley, who has led the Huskies to back-to-back national championships, acknowledged the significance of the achievement but expressed that winning in March has become a standard for his team.

“It felt normal,” Hurley said when asked about the feeling after the victory. “If it wasn’t for all of my antics and viral moments, there would be more focus on just what we’ve accomplished as a program over the last three years. It’s been an amazing run, one of the best runs anyone’s had.”

UConn entered the tournament as a No. 8 seed and faced a tough challenge against No. 9 Oklahoma. The Huskies controlled the early stages of the game, building a lead of up to 10 points in the first half. However, Oklahoma responded with a strong second-half performance, taking the lead and pushing UConn to the brink.

With just over three minutes left in the game, UConn’s offense had stalled, and the Huskies held a fragile one-point lead. That was when forward Alex Karaban stepped up in a crucial moment, knocking down a three-pointer that provided his team with a much-needed cushion. From there, UConn never looked back, holding off Oklahoma’s comeback attempt and securing the win.

Hurley emphasized how the game reflected the journey his team has endured this season. Unlike the previous two years, which saw the Huskies dominate their competition, this season has been a grind. Close losses, intense battles, and high-pressure moments have defined their campaign.

“Whenever we’ve been able to start playing good basketball and getting separation, we’ve tended to shoot ourselves in the foot,” Hurley admitted. “But the thing about this team is we’re really battle-tested. We’ve had to fight so hard all year, and we showed a lot of toughness down the stretch to execute some things, make some critical shots, and get some critical stops.”

The victory was another testament to UConn’s championship pedigree and ability to perform under pressure. With the win, the Huskies joined elite company as one of only three programs to win back-to-back national championships in the modern era. Coincidentally, all three of those teams—UConn, Florida, and Duke—are playing in Raleigh this weekend.

Next up for the Huskies is a high-stakes matchup against Florida, the last team to win consecutive national titles before UConn accomplished the feat. The game carries added significance, as UConn will have the opportunity to break the record for the most consecutive NCAA tournament wins.

“Just to be able to come here, first and foremost, to make the tournament and fight our way in, that means a lot,” Hurley said. “To come out here and fight with some honor, give ourselves an opportunity to play one of the best teams in the country, there’s a lot of pride in that. There’s a lot of honor in us being able to face the last team that went back-to-back.”

The matchup against Florida promises to be another thrilling chapter in UConn’s ongoing quest for history. While the Huskies have already solidified their legacy with their recent championships, the opportunity to set a new tournament record and advance to the Sweet 16 adds another layer of motivation.

Florida, like UConn, knows what it takes to win in March. The Gators won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007 under coach Billy Donovan, and they enter this game as a formidable opponent. UConn will need to rely on its battle-tested roster and championship experience to overcome yet another challenge.

With a chance to make history, the Huskies are embracing the moment. Hurley and his players understand the significance of their accomplishment so far, but they remain focused on the ultimate goal—another deep tournament run and a shot at a third consecutive national championship.

UConn’s fans, who have witnessed the program’s rise back to national prominence, are eagerly anticipating Sunday’s showdown. With history on the line and a Sweet 16 berth at stake, the Huskies are ready to prove once again why they are one of college basketball’s premier programs.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on UConn to see if they can continue their winning streak and carve out an even bigger place in March Madness history. The road ahead won’t be easy, but if there’s one thing this team has proven, it’s that they know how to win when it matters most.