10. UConn Huskies - 10-3
One of the biggest storylines of this non-conference slate was UConn’s 0-3 stretch in the Maui Invitational. They lost to Memphis, Colorado, and Dayton and nearly fell out of the AP top 25 the following week. However, the team proved those who kept them ranked right, winning the next six games.
Five of those six wins were against high-major competition. They defeated Baylor and Texas to get back on track, followed by a close win over Gonzaga in Madison Square Garden. And now, the Huskies are 2-0 in league play, beating Xavier and Butler in tight matchups.
The one returning starter for UConn was Alex Karaban, who has taken advantage of being the lead option this time around. He leads the team with 16.5 ppg, shooting 42% from deep on seven attempts a game. 5-star freshman wing Liam McNeeley is second on the team with 13.9 ppg, while Michigan transfer Tarris Reed (11.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg) has been an impactful newcomer at the center position.
UConn looks to be back on track but faces some tough tests away from home. Three of the next four games are on the road, taking on DePaul, Villanova, and Georgetown. For teams looking to find a signature victory, they’ll need to find a way to beat UConn, who could still be the team to beat in the Big East.