UConn looks for revenge in return trip to Kansas originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
UConn heads to Kansas on Tuesday night for one of the most anticipated games of the early season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA heavyweight matchup with unfinished business
The Huskies have not forgotten their trip to Lawrence last December, when the Jayhawks handed them a frustrating loss. Now UConn returns with a deeper roster, a tougher schedule behind them and a clear chance to even the score.
Both programs have championship expectations every year, and this matchup gives each side a measuring stick before conference play ramps up.
UConn steps into a tough road test
The Huskies arrive at 6-1 after navigating a stretch filled with ranked opponents. They earned strong wins over BYU and Illinois on neutral floors, showing off a roster that can attack in different ways. Silas Demary Jr. has emerged as an early season standout, scoring efficiently and defending at a high level. Solo Ball, Malachi Smith and Alex Karaban have all had big moments as well, giving UConn multiple scoring threats.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementUConn is finally getting healthy, which only helps. Tarris Reed Jr. and freshman guard Braylon Mullins returned from ankle injuries, giving Dan Hurley more size and skill to rotate in. Hurley has said often that depth is what carried UConn through past championship runs, and this group looks built the same way. When one player has a slow night, another steps into the spotlight.
The challenge now is doing it on the road. Tuesday marks UConn’s first true away game of the season, and Allen Fieldhouse has a reputation for testing even the most experienced teams.
Kansas tries to protect home court
Kansas enters at 6-2 with a solid win over Tennessee fresh on the resume. The Jayhawks have battled through injuries but have found answers through improved guard play. Elmarko Jackson turned in a career performance against the Volunteers, and Melvin Council Jr. matched his scoring output while adding toughness at both ends.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTre White continues to score consistently, while freshman center Flory Bidunga has quickly become one of the most important rebounders in the Big 12. Kansas may not be at full strength, but the pieces on the floor have grown more confident over the last few games.
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The Jayhawks also have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, where they have not lost this season. If Kansas can build early momentum, the energy inside the building could become a major factor.
What’s at stake on Tuesday
Both teams enter this matchup with something to prove. UConn is looking to show it can take its strong neutral site play and do the same in one of the hardest buildings in college basketball. Kansas wants to keep its winning streak alive while showing it can handle a national title contender even without every key contributor available.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementUConn has revenge on its mind. Kansas has confidence at home. Two powerhouse programs meet again.
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