In basketball, every team faces adversity, but it’s how you bounce back that defines greatness. For the UConn Huskies, the 2024-25 season has been no exception. After a series of early setbacks, including a dramatic overtime loss to Memphis and a crushing defeat to Dayton, UConn’s quest for a third consecutive national title seemed to falter. But, just like any championship contender, they’ve found a way to regroup. Their recent rally has not only revived their aspirations but also reaffirmed their resilience—setting the stage for a Big East showdown.

Dan Meehan, a guest on the Locked on UConn podcast, drew parallels between last season’s highs and lows and this year’s revival. Reflecting on the Huskies’ turbulent 2023-24 campaign, Meehan noted, “They start the season hair on fire, 13-0. They scored 90 points twice. They’ve only played one top-25 team in those first 13 games in Alabama. They won that game.” However, things quickly turned south, as UConn suffered eight losses in their next 20 games, dropping from No. 2 in the AP Poll to No. 24 by January’s end.

Meehan continued, drawing attention to the team’s transformation over the past year. “We lose four guys to the NBA, come into this season with some new personnel. UConn has an absolute disaster of a Maui Invitational, losing three straight in three days.”

Despite the early challenges, UConn quickly found their rhythm. As Meehan pointed out, “They rebound to go 10-3. This team has scored 90 points in six of their 13 games. Shooting is super efficient, 49% from the field, 36% from three, and getting better daily.”

The Huskies’ offensive resurgence has been a key factor in their success, and their free-throw shooting has seen a significant improvement. “This is the best free-throw shooting team in the last three years. They’re shooting 79%. Samson Johnson was shooting 48% from the free-throw line last year. He’s over 70% now,” Meehan said.

Despite early setbacks, the Huskies have established themselves as a powerhouse in the Big East, sitting at 10-3 and ranked 11th in the latest AP Poll. They are also 16th in the NCAA Men’s Basketball NET Rankings and lead the Big East. But the question remains: can they maintain this momentum through the toughest part of their season? Let’s take a closer look at how they’ve turned things around.

UConn’s offensive surge powers Big East dominance, eyeing 3-peat despite early setbacks

Their offense has been nothing short of impressive, ranking 35th in the nation with an average of 83.9 points per game. They also sit 19th in field goal percentage, shooting 48.82% from the floor, and rank 26th in scoring margin with a 16-point differential.

UConn’s offensive efficiency has been a driving force in their revival. Their 36% three-point shooting is respectable, with 126 made from 350 attempts. Though they’ve encountered some bumps in the road, including the overtime loss to Memphis and a tight loss to Colorado, their recent play shows a team that is learning and adapting.

Meehan’s assessment of UConn’s current trajectory reflects optimism for the future. “This team is getting better. As it stands right now going forward, they’ve only got one team in the AP top 25 the rest of the way. I think St. John’s will squeak in at some point. That’s what we’re looking forward to in Big East play.” For UConn, the road ahead is one of continual improvement, with the Huskies primed for another run at a third consecutive national championship. As they move deeper into Big East play, UConn will face heightened competition, but the Huskies’ resilience and newfound cohesion make them a formidable force. With Dan Hurley at the helm and a roster finding its stride, UConn’s quest for a three-peat is very much alive, and the Christmas horrors of earlier setbacks may soon be a distant memory.