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VILLANOVA, Pa. — — Eric Dixon netted 18 of his 23 points during the second period as Villanova secured a 68-66 triumph over No. 9 UConn on Wednesday evening following Huskies’ Alex Karaban’s failure to convert two free throws with 3.1 seconds remaining.
Wooga Poplar contributed 18 points for Villanova (11-5, 4-1 Big East), which had a lead stretching as far as 12 points in the latter half.
Solo Ball scored 16 points, leading UConn (12-4, 4-1). The Huskies had achieved eight consecutive wins after losing all three games in the Maui Invitational last November.
The Huskies competed without star freshman Liam McNeeley, who was sidelined due to a right foot injury.
UConn had multiple opportunities to seize the lead late in the game, the final chance occurring when Karaban missed both free-throw attempts after being fouled by Jordan Longino. Karaban concluded the night with 10 points.
The teams faced off on Villanova’s grounds in front of spectators for the first time since January 5, 1995. They previously met at Villanova’s Pavilion on February 20, 2021, without fans due to the pandemic. Typically, the contest is hosted at the home of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.
UConn: It was improbable for the Huskies to remain unbeaten in the Big East, particularly in the absence of McNeeley. Nonetheless, UConn remains the leading team in the conference.
Villanova: After failing to qualify for the NCAA tournament in the previous two seasons under coach Kyle Neptune, the Wildcats have re-entered the conversation.
The score was tied at 59 when Poplar sank a 3-pointer with just under five minutes left, putting Villanova ahead for good.
Dixon shot 12.5% in the first half, missing 7 of 8 field goals. He entered the game shooting 53.4% from the floor and led the nation in scoring at 25.9 points per game. His teammates shot 57.1% (12 of 21) in the opening 20 minutes.
UConn: At Georgetown on Saturday.
Villanova: At St. John’s on Saturday night.
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