Off to a quick start, UConn opened with a string of eleven straight victories over non-conference opponents, including a sweep of the Paradise Jam tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

[4] The first Big East Conference game of the season came at home against Georgetown, which the Huskies lost 74–63.

After this first loss, the Huskies went on to win 13 straight, staying comfortably atop the Big East Conference standings.

The team spent the final few weeks of the regular season adjusting to their smaller rotation.

8 Marquette, which was Coach Jim Calhoun's 800th career victory in Division I basketball.

The Huskies finished the regular season with 27 wins and 3 losses, with a conference record of 15–3.

The game would prove to be a historic event, as it took a Big East record six overtimes before Syracuse ultimately triumphed, 127–117.

They began play in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they had two blowout victories against Chattanooga and Texas A&M.

They moved on to Glendale, AZ for the West regionals, first defeating Purdue 72–60, then outlasting a pressing Missouri squad in the Elite Eight, 82–75.

UConn would make one last run and cut the deficit to three late in the game, but Michigan State made key free throws and held on to win, 82–73.