Alex Karaban and Braylon Mullins led UConn to an exhibition victory, but the team's performance must be taken with a grain of salt due to the absence of key players. Despite the win, UConn faced familiar challenges, including too much fouling and not enough rebounding. However, the team can take heart from the strong performances of Eric Reibe and Malachi Smith, who filled in for the injured Tarris Reed Jr. and Silas Demary Jr. Alex Karaban, Solo Ball, and Malachi Smith all contributed positively, with Karaban leading the team with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Braylon Mullins, a promising freshman, also showed potential. The Huskies' defense was strong in the first half, but they struggled with shooting and fouls in the second half. Dwayne Koroma and Alec Millender, grad transfers, played limited minutes, while Jacob Furphy, a freshman from Tasmania, saw minimal action. The team's injuries and the impact of these players will be crucial as the season progresses. The article also mentions the tragic passing of Mary Sohon Volz, a dedicated UConn fan, who inspired the team to strive for a championship.
