In a highly anticipated championship matchup against No. 19 Texas, the No. 5 UConn Huskies emerged victorious with an 81-71 win in the Empire Classic on Monday night. This victory marked their fifth consecutive win of the season, propelling their record to an undefeated 5-0 start.

Led by head coach Dan Hurley, UConn showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity throughout the game, leaving their opponents in awe. The Huskies have been outscoring their opponents by an impressive average of nearly 30 points this season, while maintaining an average score of over 89 points per game. Their strong defense has contributed to holding opponents to an average of just 60 points.

Despite losing three key players to the NBA, UConn has seamlessly transitioned into the new season with the introduction of five talented freshmen and the addition of former Rutgers guard Cam Spencer. The team's familiarity and chemistry on the court, accumulated over several seasons, have played a significant role in their continued success.

Their performance in the Empire Classic has garnered praise from opposing coaches and experts alike. Texas coach Rodney Terry called UConn an "elite, top-5 caliber team" after their clash, highlighting their skilled roster that possesses both height and shooting abilities. Even Indiana coach Mike Woodson acknowledged UConn's dominance, stating that the Huskies had put his team "in their place" after their defeat.

The Huskies are also on the cusp of breaking a record, with their 22 straight non-conference wins by double-digits just two shy of the North Carolina record set in the 2008-2009 season.

Looking ahead, UConn's schedule is packed with challenging matchups against top-ranked teams. They are set to face off against No. 1 Kansas on December 1 in the highly anticipated Big East/Big 12 Battle, followed by a clash with North Carolina in the Jimmy V Classic on December 5. Another significant game awaits them on December 15, as they go head-to-head with Gonzaga.

Coach Hurley remains optimistic about his team's potential to grow and improve throughout the season. He acknowledges the presence of new faces on the team and looks forward to the return of Steph Castle, a talented guard who is projected to be a lottery pick. Castle aims to make a comeback for the game against Kansas, adding an additional dimension to the team's play.

The ultimate goal for the Huskies, as with any competitive team, is to secure back-to-back NCAA championships. The last team to achieve this feat was Bily Donovan's Florida squad in the 2006-2007 season. With their tremendous start to the season and displayed confidence, UConn is well on their way towards achieving this lofty goal.

As UConn continues to dominate the college basketball scene, their relentless approach and unwavering belief in their abilities make them a formidable opponent for any team. The coaching staff and players are determined to push their limits and secure victories by any means necessary.

As the season progresses, basketball fans and experts alike eagerly await UConn's upcoming matchups, anticipating more impressive performances from this well-oiled machine.