UConn Wins Empire Classic Title; Marquette Edges UCLA In Maui Invitational - Big East Conference Skip To Main Content

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UConn Wins Empire Classic Title; Marquette Edges UCLA In Maui Invitational

MBB Minute – The two highest ranked BIG EAST teams registered quality in-season tournament victories on Monday.
 
Fifth-ranked Connecticut captured the Empire Classic title at Madison Square Garden, defeating No. 15 Texas 81-71. Fourth-ranked Marquette rallied to beat UCLA 71-69 in the first round of the Maui Invitational.
 
For the Huskies, the 10-point win was their 22nd straight double-digit victory against a non-conference opponent. 
 
Forward Alex Karaban led UConn (5-0) with 20 points, including some clutch baskets down the stretch. Cam Spencer helped with 16 points and reserve Samson Johnson notched career highs with 15 points and eight rebounds. Tristen Newton was named tourney MVP after averaging 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists for the two games.
 
Marquette (4-0) erased a 12-point deficit with a 17-0 run midway through the second half and held off the Bruins in the final minute. Forward David Joplin scored a team-high 19 points and Oso Ighodaro added 14. Tyler Kolek was limited to nine points, but he dished nine assists. MU committed only seven turnovers and helped force 14 UCLA miscues.
 
Marquette advances to play No. 1 Kansas tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Golden Eagles are the only BIG EAST team in action on Tuesday. 
 
Tournament play continues Wednesday with Villanova meeting Texas Tech in the Battle 4 Atlantis on ESPN at 2 p.m. ET. Creighton plays Loyola Chicago on CBSSN at 4 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City, Mo.