The 2026 NCAA tournament Perfect Bracket Tracker

Take a bow, Tarris Reed Jr.

The UConn senior had a remarkable, career 31-point, 27-rebound day. He went 12 of 15 from the field, including 7 of 9 from the free throw line. He had 16 defensive rebounds and 11 offensive rebounds. He was the reason No. 2 UConn held off No. 15 Furman, 82-71.

Reed Jr.’s career day couldn’t have come at a better time for the Huskies, who shot just 20 percent from 3-point range (5 for 25). Reed had more rebounds that Furman’s entire team as UConn held a 44-23 rebounding advantage, including an 18-4 mark on the offensive glass. Senior forward Alex Karaban added 22 points off four 3-pointers for the Huskies.

The Paladins competed until the very end, pulling within four points in the second half. Furman shot 45 percent from the field and 38 percent from 3. It was led by senior Tom House and freshman Alex Wilkins, who each had 21 points.

UConn advances to play No. 7 UCLA in the second round.

• Perfect bracket tracker: Ten of the remaining perfect brackets had Furman advancing, leaving just 224 perfect brackets as we head into the third day of the men’s tournament.