Alex Karaban committed to continue his basketball career in Connecticut. on Aug. 2, 2021. Four and a half years later, Karaban played his last game in the Basketball Capital of the World.
The two-time national champion played in 66 home games for the Huskies. He put together a 90.9 winning percentage between Gampel Pavilion and PeoplesBank Arena. In honor of his final home game, let’s rank the five best home performances of Alex Karaban’s career.
HM. BYU – Nov. 15, 2026
Alright, I know this wasn’t actually a home game. But it did take place at TD Garden, less than 30 miles from Karaban’s home in Southborough, M.A. The arena has also been referred to in the past as Storrs North, so I’m giving it an honorable mention.
Karaban finished the game with 21 points in a four-way tie for the team’s leading scorer in a high-octane 86-84 finish. He knocked down three consecutive three-pointers as BYU clawed back into the game in the second half, finishing a perfect 4-of-4 on the night.
It was UConn’s first win over a ranked opponent this season.
5. Villanova – Dec. 28, 2022
Karaban gave UConn fans a glimpse of things to come during his redshirt freshman season. The Huskies had coasted to a 13-0 record, entering the game as the No. 10 team in the country. Villanova offered the Huskies their first real test.
While it was Jordan Hawkins who led the Huskies in scoring with 22, Karaban posted 15 points in the winning effort. He knocked down three critical three-pointers to suppress the Wildcats’ chances of taking the lead. The game was emblematic of what would be Karaban’s career to come: he didn’t need to dominate the ball to leave an impact on the game. He provided stability and was the connector in Dan Hurley’s offense.
4. Xavier – Dec. 18, 2024
The 2024-25 season was a roller coaster ride for Karaban and the Huskies; between injuries, uncharacteristic losses and shooting slumps. But the team’s overtime win over Xavier in Hartford was certainly a high.
Karaban was the hero for UConn overtime. He scored seven of UConn’s 14 overtime points to put the game away in a 94-89 final. He scored 20 points in total and made several key stops on the defensive end which included three blocks. Xavier head coach Sean Miller credited Karaban for his clutch performance during the post-game press conference.
“I don’t know if college basketball has ever had a better winner,” Miller said.
3. Georgetown – Jan. 14, 2024
Karaban put on a dominant scoring clinic 80-67 win at the then-XL Center. The Huskies were without their starting center, Donovan Clingan, which forced the Huskies to resort to a “small ball” lineup.
He shot out of a cannon in the first half, burying five three pointers before the intermission. He knocked down another in the second half, finishing with a career high six made threes. The performance also marked his career-high in points with 26. He was 9-of-13 from the field and 6-of-8 from three.
The win powered UConn to the No. 1 sport in the AP Poll.
2. Marquette – Mar. 5, 2025
UConn was in desperate need of a victory over No. 20 Marquette as March began last season. The Huskies were ranked outside of the top 25 as they jockeyed for position in the Big East standings. They were looking to complete a season sweep over a team that had been ranked in the top 25 all year.
Karaban stepped up and scored 16 second half points, which included a personal 7-0 run. He received a pass on the wing with just 23 seconds remaining and UConn clinging to a one-point lead. He stepped into a deep three pointer, icing the dagger and securing the 72-66 victory in a raucous Gampel Pavilion.
He finished the game with 21 points.
1. Seton Hall, – Feb. 27, 2026
Karaban saved his best for last. He scored a season-high 23 points in his senior day game against Seton Hall at Gampel Pavilion. Karaban became the first active player in program history to be named into the Huskies of Honor.
UConn trailed eight late in the second half. Karaban hit back-to-back threes amid a 10-0 kill shot for the Huskies. He was nearly perfect from deep, knocking down 5-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc. Karaban played all 40 minutes and sank the two free throws that secured his 60th career victory at home.
The win was one final reminder of why he is the winningest player in program history. He led one final Husky Chant before stepping off his home court one last time.