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UConn Edges Oklahoma in Thrilling March Madness Showdown!

RALEIGH, N.C. — In a nail-biting first-round matchup of the NCAA Tournament, the University of Connecticut (UConn) emerged victorious against the University of Oklahoma (OU) with a score of 67-59 on March 21, 2025. This victory not only marked UConn’s 13th consecutive win in the NCAA Tournament, tying them with Duke for the second-longest winning streak in tournament history, but it also kept alive their pursuit of a third consecutive national title.

The game took place at the Lenovo Center, where the atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation from fans and analysts alike. The matchup was a clash of two strong programs, with UConn’s experience in high-stakes games giving them an edge. The tension was palpable as both teams fought hard for every point, showcasing the competitive nature of March Madness.

UConn’s key player, Alex Karaban, played a pivotal role in securing the win. He delivered a crucial 3-pointer at the 3:40 mark, which gave UConn a four-point lead, and followed it up with a floater in the lane that pushed UConn ahead by six points with just over two minutes remaining. Karaban finished the game with 13 points and 7 rebounds, proving to be a valuable asset on both ends of the court.

Oklahoma, led by freshman Jeremiah Fears, who scored 20 points, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. Despite a valiant effort, the Sooners shot only 32.1% from the field and managed to make just 3 of 17 attempts from beyond the arc. The final minutes were particularly challenging for Oklahoma, as they managed just one field goal in the last six minutes of play, ultimately sealing their fate in the tournament.

UConn’s defense was a cornerstone of their success, effectively stifling Oklahoma’s scoring opportunities. The Huskies had established a lead of up to 10 points in the first half, but Oklahoma mounted a comeback that showcased their resilience. With just over three minutes left in the game, UConn found themselves only ahead by one point, underscoring the game’s intensity and the stakes involved.

UConn’s head coach, Dan Hurley, praised his team’s resilience and battle-tested nature throughout the season. He noted that this year’s tournament run has been more dramatic compared to previous seasons, highlighting the team’s ability to execute under pressure. “We’ve been through a lot this year, and it shows in how we handle these close games,” Hurley remarked in the post-game interview.

This victory sets up an exciting matchup against top-seeded Florida in the next round, where UConn will have the opportunity to break the record for consecutive tournament wins. The anticipation is building as fans look forward to seeing if the Huskies can continue their remarkable run.

As the tournament progresses, UConn stands alongside only two other programs—Duke and Florida—as the only teams to have won back-to-back national titles since the tournament expanded in 1985. The stakes are high as they aim for a historic three-peat, and their performance against Oklahoma has shown that they are more than capable of handling the pressure.

Oklahoma’s season comes to a close with this loss, but their participation in the NCAA Tournament is a testament to the strength of the Southeastern Conference, which sent a record 14 teams to the tournament this year. Despite their early exit, the Sooners have shown promise, and their future looks bright with young talent like Fears leading the charge.

In conclusion, UConn’s thrilling victory over Oklahoma not only highlights their prowess on the court but also reflects the unpredictability and excitement that March Madness brings. Fans celebrated the dramatic finish, and as the tournament continues, all eyes will be on UConn as they strive to make history once again.

Sources:

• Sooners Downed by UConn in NCAA Tournament
• UConn tops Oklahoma, ties mark with 13th straight tourney win – ESPN
• UConn survives tense March Madness opener with Oklahoma
• [UConn’s bid for 3rd straight title endures with 67-59 win over …](https://westchester.news12.com/uconns-bid-for-3rd-straight-title-endures-with-67-59-win-over-oklahoma-in-march-mad