6. Connecticut (4-1)
After winning consecutive national championships, Dan Hurley’s program took a step back last season. Regardless, the Huskies again have the talent to be a national contender and still have people in this program and on the court involved in that recent success. Last weekend’s win over BYU really cemented the potential for this team, but how would they handle a second straight big challenge in November?
Despite a strong effort, the Huskies fell at home to Arizona in a Top 5 battle, losing 71-67 to those Wildcats. Eric Reibe led the Huskies with 15 points while Solo Ball added 14 points. The shooting wasn’t horrid but the Huskies were badly outrebounded and just couldn’t make enough plays down the stretch to get the job done.
UConn shouldn’t panic by any means, losing to that Arizona team that looks the part of a national contender. While they’re still figuring things out, the Huskies have played really strong on offense for the most part this season while the defense has played solidly for the most part as well. Looking ahead, they’re back in another major matchup against Illinois at Madison Square Garden next week with a chance to really bounce back.