In their first home conference game with fans since joining the Big East, the UConn Huskies delivered a lackluster performance in a 57-53 loss to Providence to fall to 9-3.
The Friars were up double digits for most of the game as the Huskies struggled all day offensively, even though they did get a boost from the return of Tyrese Martin from a left wrist injury. UConn finished a dismal 8-29 (28%) from three, 31% from the field, and 7-13 (57%) from the free-throw line while committing nine turnovers. Injured forward Adama Sanogo did not play.
Akok Akok and Isaiah Whaley got the XL Center crowd going early with some blocks that quickly led to points on the other end, but UConn didn’t find enough good looks in the first half, succumbing to Providence’s aggressive defense.