After a series of high-profile fixtures, the UConn Huskies (7-1) will be facing the East Texas A&M Lions (4-3) at home today. East Texas A&M is coming off an 84-67 win against the Army Black Knights and will be facing the Huskies for the first time in Division I. Earlier, East Texas A&M were known as Texas A&M- Commerce and this year, the Lions are in their third year of playing D1 basketball.
Also, this is the first time East Texas A&M have a full D1 schedule for themselves. Previously, they were in the Lone Star Conference and were among the final five charter members (North Texas, Sam Houston State, Texas State, and Stephen F. Austin) to move up from Division II.
So, how will this fixture pan out? Let’s find out.
Prediction
UConn’s elite defense, ranked seventh nationally, should dominate East Texas A&M, whose offense ranks near the bottom at No. 357. The Huskies hold major size advantages across the court, with Samson Johnson and Tarris Reed Jr. expected to exploit the Lions’ lack of height. East Texas A&M struggles in most offensive metrics, including poor three-point shooting, high turnovers, and low free-throw accuracy, making them possibly the weakest offense UConn will face this season. Given the Huskies’ ability to limit opponents to under 0.78 points per possession, this matchup could quickly turn into a lopsided defensive showcase.
UConn dominates the glass, ranking sixth nationally in both offensive and defensive rebound rates, led by Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban. Reed Jr. ranks among the top rebounders in the country, giving the Huskies a major edge against East Texas A&M, one of the weakest rebounding teams in Division I. The Lions allow opponents to recover 37.5 per cent of their misses and secure only 26.3 per cent of their own, well below the national average. This disparity should give UConn numerous second-chance opportunities and allow it to control possession and build an early lead.
UConn’s matchup with East Texas A&M is heavily one-sided, as the Lions lack the three-point shooting ability that previously allowed teams like Le Moyne, New Hampshire, and Sacred Heart to stay competitive. With such a mismatch, the game could get out of hand quickly, making it vital for UConn to manage minutes and avoid injuries ahead of tougher challenges. The upcoming Maui Invitational and a showdown with Memphis mark the start of a far more demanding stretch, leaving little room for unnecessary setbacks in a game where UConn should handle business easily.
ESPN’s matchup predictor estimates the Huskies have a 99% chance of winning this matchup.
Lineup
UConn Lineup
PG: Silas Demary Jr.
SG: Solo Ball
SF: Jaylin Stewart
PF: Alex Karaban
C: Tarris Reed
East Texas A&M lineup
PG: Damian Garcia
SG: Vinny Sigona
SF: Gianni Hunt
PF: Josh Taylor
C: Ronnie Harrison
Injuries
For the East Texas A&M Lions, there is no injury to report. However, for the UConn Huskies, Tarris Reed could still be a game-time decision as he is suffering from an ankle injury. Reed was ruled out in the previous matchup against Kansas as well on Tuesday.
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