Skip to main content
Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

This story is free to read.

Going big: High-major programs using size to their advantage to maul mid-majors in March Madness

UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. (5) goes up for a dunk [ast UCLA's Xavier Booker (1) and Eric Freeny (8) during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. (5) goes up for a dunk [ast UCLA's Xavier Booker (1) and Eric Freeny (8) during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. (5) goes up for a dunk [ast UCLA's Xavier Booker (1) and Eric Freeny (8) during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

By JOHN MARSHALL / AP Sports Writer 4 min read

UConn has shooters and slashers, its offense an array of moving parts all in synch.

The central cog is big man Tarris Reed Jr.

The 6-foot-11, 265-pound senior has been punishing opposing teams at a record rate, giving the Huskies a huge inside advantage that they’re more than happy to take advantage of as they climb through the NCAA Tournament bracket.

“This guy’s a total monster and today he was a real grizzly bear,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said after Reed opened the NCAA Tournament with 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman.

The NCAA Tournament is down to a Sweet 16 void of mid-majors for the second straight season.