UConn's Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins Struggle with Shooting Slumps in NCAA Tournament UConn men’s basketball faced a disastrous 5-for-25 performance from beyond the arc in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64, with Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins, two of the team’s top shooters, struggling to find their range. The Huskies’ poor shooting, combined with a lack of offensive efficiency, raised concerns about their ability to advance in the tournament. While Tarris Reed’s standout performance with 31 points and 27 rebounds offered some hope, the team’s reliance on his production may not be sustainable without improved shooting from Ball and Mullins. Ball and Mullins combined to make just one of 14 three-pointers in the loss to Furman, continuing their struggles from deep. Mullins, who entered the season as a highly touted five-star recruit, has shot only 5-for-38 from three-point range over his last five games. Ball’s issues have been more consistent, with his shooting percentage under 30% from beyond the arc this season. Despite their struggles, both players have shown value in other areas. Mullins has maintained a strong 2-point shooting clip at nearly 70% and added defensive contributions, while Ball has improved his mid-range and free-throw shooting, though his lack of assists and turnovers remains a concern. Hurley, UConn’s head coach, expressed confidence in both players’ ability to regain their shooting touch. He emphasized that the team’s struggles are not due to a lack of effort or talent but rather a matter of timing and the law of averages. “They’re generating looks they’re capable of making,” Hurley said. “It’s just about getting the first few shots to fall.” Mullins, who missed the first six games of the season due to a preseason ankle injury, had shown promise earlier in the year.#uconn #ncaa_tournament #tarris_reed #braylon_mullins #solo_ball
NCAA Tournament Player Props: Picks for Zuby Ejiofor, Braden Smith & Tarris Reed for Friday On the first full day of NCAA Tournament action, several standout performances emerged, with players like Tyler Tanner, Terence Hill Jr., and Morez Johnson leading the way. For Friday’s games, the focus shifts to a pair of Big East big men who have been dominant throughout the season, along with Braden Smith, whose potential for a historic night may still result in an underperforming stat line. Here’s a breakdown of the key player props for Friday’s first-round matchups. Zuby Ejiofor is set to face Northern Iowa in a matchup that favors his offensive skills. Ejiofor, a First-Team All-Big East selection and recipient of the Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards, has been a consistent scorer, averaging 16.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. His recent form has been exceptional, with 18 points in each of his past five games and an average of 20.6 points over that stretch. St. John’s, which has won 19 of its last 20 games, enters the tournament with a strong offensive identity. While the team is not known for its three-point shooting, head coach Rick Pitino may prioritize inside scoring, which should benefit Ejiofor. Northern Iowa’s defense ranks third nationally in three-point shooting allowed but struggles against two-pointers, making this a favorable matchup for Ejiofor. The pick leans toward him exceeding 17.5 points. Braden Smith, a consensus First-Team All-American, is poised to make history by becoming the NCAA’s all-time assist leader. However, his prop line for Friday’s game against Queens NC may be too high. Smith averages nine assists per game but has stayed under 10.5 assists in 71% of his games this season.#st_johns #zuby_ejiofor #braden_smith #northern_university #tarris_reed
