UConn basketball's defense has helped the team return to national contender status, returning to the level it was at the time when the team won back-to-back championships in March Madness two years ago. Coach Dan Hurley emphasized the importance of the team's defense in order to return to its previous level of success. The team's defensive metrics were below par with their previous seasons, ranking 75th in adjusted defensive efficiency on KenPom and 79th on Bart Torvik. The additions of Georgia transfer point guard Silas Demary Jr. and 6-foot-11, 265-pound forward Tarris Reed Jr. have also contributed significantly to the defense. If the team can find more consistency with their offense over the next few weeks, their chances of winning another championship will rise.