Columbia vs UConn: Lions chase a statement win against the No. 3 Huskies in Storrs

Columbia visits top-five powerhouse UConn tonight in a nonconference matchup that will test the Lions’ early momentum against one of men’s college basketball’s most complete teams. Tip is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs (11:30 p.m. GMT), where UConn has stacked a long streak of nonconference home victories. For Columbia, a competitive showing—or better yet a shocker—would echo across the Ivy League race before it even begins.

Columbia vs UConn game outlook

UConn has roared out of the gate with overwhelming two-way performances, blending elite size with efficient spacing and relentless rebounding. Columbia counters with pace, confident shot-making on the wings, and an experienced core that can punish late rotations. The Lions understand the assignment: slow UConn’s second-chance avalanche, make the first pass difficult, and live in the paint-and-kick game to manufacture rhythm threes.

Fast facts

• When/Where: Monday, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m. ET (11:30 p.m. GMT), Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, CT

• Rankings: UConn enters as No. 3 nationally

• Framing: Columbia aims for an early-season signature; UConn seeks to extend a lengthy nonconference home streak

What Columbia needs to do to trouble the Huskies

1) Guard the glass like it’s a turnover.
UConn thrives on offensive rebounds and put-backs that snowball into runs. Columbia’s first shot defense can hold, but the second one will decide their fate. Box-outs from all five positions—especially the guards—must be non-negotiable.

2) Make UConn defend later into the clock.
Quick, contested jumpers feed transition the other way. Columbia’s best path is to string actions together: stagger screens for shooters, empty-side drives, and late paint touches that force rotations and open clean catch-and-shoot looks.

3) Win the whistle with drive variety.
Attacking straight into length rarely pays off. The Lions need pace-changing hesitations, baseline probes, and kick-return drives to draw fouls on UConn’s primary rim protectors. Free throws help settle the building and let Columbia set its defense.

4) Value every possession.
Live-ball turnovers are UConn’s runway. Columbia must keep giveaways in the single digits and tilt turnover margin with a few timely digs and deflections.

Players to watch: Columbia

• Blair Thompson, G/F — A confident scorer who can hit from deep and finish through contact. His shot selection and comfort against physical closeouts will be pivotal.

• Zine Eddine Bedri, F — Brings energy on the glass and opportunistic scoring. If he wins 50/50 battles, Columbia buys extra possessions.

• Kenny Noland, G — Secondary creator whose spacing and decision-making can stabilize half-court trips.

• Frontcourt committee — Collective rebounding versus UConn’s size is more important than any single stat line.

Players to watch: UConn

• Alex Karaban, F — Stretch threat who punishes taggers and crashes from the weak side; Columbia must locate him in scramble situations.

• Eric Reibe, C — Size at the rim and vertical spacing in ball screens demand early help tags.

• Tarris Reed Jr., F/C — Brings force on the interior; keeping him off the glass is essential.

• Solo Ball, G — A live-wire guard who can flip momentum with shot-making and pressure.

(Injuries/availability can shift rotations; monitor pregame updates.)

Tactical chessboard: where the game tilts

• Transition defense: Columbia’s floor balance—who crashes vs. who sprints back—must be precise. Giving UConn runways is the quickest way the game gets away.

• Three-point math: The Lions need a positive three-point differential to offset size. Look for early drag screens and pitch-ahead threes to generate quality attempts before UConn’s half-court length sets.

• Foul landscape: If Columbia can stack early fouls on UConn’s anchors, the paint opens and driving lanes expand. Conversely, if the Lions’ bigs pick up quick whistles, rotation players will be thrown into the deep end.

Expected starting points and rotations (subject to change)

• Columbia: Thompson on the wing as the primary scorer, Noland and a lead guard sharing initiation duties, Bedri active at the 4, with a rotating cast to manage the 5 and protect the glass.

• UConn: Karaban at the stretch-4, a true center to command the lane, and a two-guard mix that toggles between pace and power.

What a Columbia upset would look like

• Hold UConn under 1.05 points per possession by limiting second chances.

• Hit 10+ threes at 36% or better, with Thompson and the supporting wings carrying the load.

• Keep turnovers to nine or fewer, turning the game into a half-court shot-quality contest rather than an athleticism showcase.

• Earn a modest free-throw edge and convert late to withstand the final push.

Outlook and stakes

For Columbia, tonight is a measuring stick with real downstream value: a composed performance in Storrs can harden habits that translate to the Ivy grind and bolster metrics that matter in March. For UConn, it’s about continued professionalism—stacking good possessions, expanding bench roles, and fine-tuning late-clock execution before the marquee nonconference dates arrive.

If the Lions rebound in crowds, make the extra pass, and keep their poise through the inevitable UConn runs, they can hang deep into the second half. The margin for error is thin, but the blueprint is clear—and the opportunity is undeniable.