Alex Karaban and Silas Demary Jr. will once again headline for the UConn Huskies after a dominant two-game start to the season. After decisive victories against New Haven and UMass Lowell, the Huskies will now host the Columbia Lions. So far, the Lions have played just one game this season against the New Haven Chargers, which ended in a decisive win.
Dan Hurley‘s Huskies have shown flashes of depth and talent across all positions. Both Alex Karaban and Silas Demary Jr. are expected to play a major role in the Huskies’ this season’s campaign. As of now, they appear as the favorites in this matchup going up against Columbia. The Lions have been one of Dan Hurley’s stiffest competitions in the regular season and rank No. 212, higher than all but three teams in a solid Ivy League conference.
UConn vs Columbia Prediction
The fourth-seeded UConn enter as the favorites in this matchup against Columbia. In the previous game against UMass Lowell, Tariss Reed Jr. added 20 points on the board to the massive lead for UConn, leading to a 110-47 blowout against the River Hawks. As of now, ESPN estimates the matchup to tilt 98.8% in favor of the Huskies.
The Columbia Lions, on the other hand, had a decent start to the season with a decisive 71-53 victory against the New Haven Chargers. Last season, the Lions went 3-9 on the road and 12-15 overall in the season. Though a seemingly weaker side, the Lions are one of those tough challengers among Ivy League colleges for Dan Hurley’s Huskies.
UConn is expected to show dominance through its rebounding and pace. And given Dan Hurley’s habit of initiating heavy rotation in the second half, the Huskies have a good enough depth to leave them in full control.
UConn Huskies and Columbia Starting Lineup
UConn Huskies Starting Lineup
PG: Silas Demary Jr.
SG: Solo Ball
SF: Jaylin Stewart
PF: Alex Karaban
C: Tarris Reed Jr.
Columbia Lions Starting Lineup
PG: Kenny Noland
SG: Avery Brown
SF: Blair Thompson
PF: Mason Ritter
C: Zinou Bedri
Injury Report
For the UConn Huskies, guard Braylon Mullins remains sidelined due to an ankle injury. As per ESPN, the five-star recruit is expected to be out for six weeks. However, in reality, six weeks seems grim for Mullins to recover from this injury, which he incurred during a practice session.
On the other hand, guard Jacob Murphy was out in the game against UMass Lowell as well. His injury status, however, has now been upgraded to questionable, which means he could perhaps be expected to be fielded on the floor.
Tarris Reed Jr.’s appearance was expected to be a game-time decision in the last game, but he did appear on the floor, scoring 20 points. Every other UConn Huskies player seems to be fit to appear for this matchup.
For the Columbia Lions, there are no current injuries to report. All of their players seem healthy enough to start in this matchup.
Everything aside, this could be an interesting matchup to look forward to. Though UConn might as well grab an easy win, the Lions have always been a prickly side for Dan Hurley amongst every other Ivy League team.
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