Wed Nov 20 01:10:00 UTC 2024: ## UConn Huskies Ready for Maui Invitational Despite Easy Early Schedule

**STORRS, CT** – The second-ranked UConn Huskies men’s basketball team, boasting a perfect 3-0 record with an average margin of victory exceeding 38 points, are preparing for a significant step up in competition at the Maui Invitational this weekend. Head coach Dan Hurley acknowledged the team’s easy early schedule, admitting that the Huskies are far from their final form.

“We’ll be tinkering for a while,” Hurley stated. The coach emphasized the challenges of integrating numerous new players and determining optimal lineups under pressure. While pleased with the team’s early performance, he anticipates significant changes as the competition intensifies.

UConn, currently ranked fifth nationally by KenPom, faces East Texas A&M (1-3) in their final tune-up game before Maui. This game presents a unique challenge; East Texas A&M employs an unconventional full-court switching defense. Hurley sees this as a valuable learning experience.

The Huskies aim to refine their “bulletproof basketball” approach, focusing on reducing turnovers, improving assists, and maintaining high shooting percentages. After Maui, a challenging schedule awaits, including games against Baylor, Texas, and Gonzaga.

Forward Alex Karaban echoed Hurley’s sentiments, highlighting the early nature of the season and the potential for lineup adjustments as the competition stiffens. The team’s center position, featuring Samson Johnson and Tarris Reed Jr., is showing progress, but Hurley stressed the need for improved guard-center coordination for optimal offensive efficiency. Karaban also emphasized the importance of providing the centers with more easy scoring opportunities.

The game against East Texas A&M will air on FS1, with commentary from John Fanta and Donny Marshall. The Huskies will look to build momentum before their highly anticipated Maui Invitational debut.

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