PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — In a high-octane, overtime thriller that defied pregame projections, the Connecticut Huskies outlasted the Providence Friars 103-98 in a Big East men’s basketball clash Wednesday night at a sold-out Dunkin’ Center.

The game, which featured 18 lead changes and 10 ties, was a stark contrast to the expected defensive struggle, with both teams combining for a blistering 32 made 3-pointers and an offensive showcase that saw neither team lead by more than seven points after the opening minutes.

Connecticut, which entered as a heavy favorite according to analytics, improved to 15-1 overall and 3-0 in the conference. Providence fell to 8-7 and 1-3.

The most critical sequence of the contest came in the final minute of regulation, with the Huskies trailing 89-87. After a missed 3-pointer by Alex Karaban, Connecticut’s Tarris Reed Jr., who finished with 20 points, secured the offensive rebound and scored on a tip-in with 13 seconds left to tie the game. Providence’s Corey Floyd Jr. then missed a potential game-winning turnaround jumper at the buzzer, sending the game to an extra period tied at 89.

The overtime belonged to Connecticut’ backcourt. Silas Demary Jr., the game’s top star, and Braylon Mullins combined for 10 of the Huskies’ 14 points in the extra frame. Demary, a guard from Raleigh, North Carolina, was the orchestrator throughout, finishing with 23 points and a career-high 15 assists against only two turnovers in 40 minutes. His stepback jumper with 1:11 left in overtime gave Connecticut a 100-95 lead it would not relinquish.

Mullins, a sophomore from Greenfield, Indiana, led all scorers with 24 points, including six 3-pointers. Karaban added 23 points, hitting five shots from beyond the arc. The Huskies shot a scorching 56.3% from 3-point range (18 of 32) and assisted on 11 of their 35 made field goals, showcasing a precise offensive attack.

Providence was led by a balanced effort, with six players scoring in double figures. Ryan Mela came off the bench to score 19 points, while Jamier Jones added 18. The Friars shot an efficient 50% from the floor and 58.3% from deep (14 of 24) but were undone by 17 turnovers, which Connecticut converted into 26 points. The Huskies also dominated the assist battle, 11-4, and recorded 11 steals.

The first half was a shootout, with Providence taking a 47-37 lead into the break behind 54% shooting. The Friars stretched their lead to seven early in the second half before Connecticut began its methodical comeback, fueled by its perimeter shooting and defensive pressure.

Connecticut’s offensive rating of 123.3 points per 100 possessions underscored its elite efficiency, while Providence’s 110.3 was also strong but not enough against the Huskies’ firepower. The combined point total of 201 shattered the pregame over/under line of 152.

The Huskies have now won four straight games since their only loss of the season to Arizona in November. Providence, which has lost four of its last six, will look to rebound on the road.

Connecticut next hosts DePaul on Saturday. Providence travels to face Xavier, also on Saturday. The two teams will meet again in Storrs, Connecticut, on Jan. 27.