The Hoops Cap Pod

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By: Big East Energy

Hosted by Mark Zanetto 🎙 The Hoops Cap — only daily podcast For UConn men’s & women’s basketball. part of Big East EnergyNetwork

Dan Hurley BLASTS UConn fans after Georgetown win
Today at 8:00 AM

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This episode of The Hoops Cap delivers an unfiltered, expert take on the shifting dynamics in Big East basketball. Host Mark Zanetto dissects UConn’s narrow win over Georgetown, Dan Hurley’s viral crit...


Boys & Girls Clubs and The Hoops Cap, Changing the Game in CT
Last Friday at 5:00 AM

You’re listening to a special 10-minute “best of” edition of The Hoops Cap, where we shine the spotlight on our incredible community partners: The Connecticut Boys & Girls Club. In this condensed episode, host Mark Zanetto welcomes guest Don Maleto for a fast-paced, heartfelt look at the vital work these clubs do across Connecticut.


Hear how 14 organizations and 57 club sites team up to serve over 36,000 young people each year, providing much more than just a safe space after school. Learn how the clubs build lasting relationships, open doors to new opportunities, and help shape kids i...


Behind UConn’s Victory and Empowering Connecticut Youth: A Deep Dive with Don Maleto
Last Thursday at 9:00 PM

UConn bounces back with an 80-70 win over Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse! Solo Ball drops 24, Braylon Mullins goes off in his homecoming, and Demary dishes 10 assists. We break it all down. Then we sit down with Don, Executive Director of the Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs in Connecticut, to talk about the incredible work being done for youth across the state — and why that pipeline matters for the future of college basketball. 🔒 This episode is presented by Vancord Cybersecurity Manage. Defend. Respond. 🌐 https://www.vancord.com 📞 855-VANCORD 0:01 – UConn vs. Butler recap and episode overview 1:21 – Introducing guest Don Maleto, CT Boys & Girls Cl...


Live Reaction to UConn's 80-70 Win vs Butler
Last Thursday at 8:01 AM

UConn survives at Hinkle Fieldhouse, beating Butler 80-70. The Huskies move to 23-2 (13-1 Big East) but the complete effort remains elusive. We give Butler credit for showing up after a brutal stretch, break down UConn's inconsistency problem, and explain why you might just need to embrace the chaos . Presented by Homefield Apparel and Sponsored locally by Vancord.


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UConn DOMINATES Xavier 92-60...Wins 18th straight game.
02/04/2026

The Huskies take on the Musketeers in a massive Big East clash! Join us LIVE as we react to every bucket, big stop, and momentum swing in real-time. Can UConn maintain their dominance, or will Xavier pull off the upset at home?


🗣️ Join the conversation: Drop your score predictions in the chat and let us know who you've got!


#UConn #Xavier #BigEast #CollegeBasketball #LiveReaction



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A Tale of Two Halves: UConn Dismantles Tennessee 96-66!
02/02/2026

Brought to you by Homefield Apparel. Get your premium, vintage-inspired Huskies gear at Homefield and download the app for 15 pct off your first purchase.

23-0. The streak continues! Welcome back to Big East Energy for a live reaction to #1 UConn’s dominant 96-66 victory over the Tennessee Lady Vols in Hartford.

It was a tale of two halves at PeoplesBank Arena. After a back-and-forth first half that left the game tied 42-42, the Huskies reminded the world why they are the undisputed top team in the country. UConn’s defense suffocated Tennessee in the second half...


UConn vs. Creighton: LIVE Reaction UConn 85 Creighton 58
02/01/2026

The CHI Health Center is a sea of pink! 🎀 We’re watching #2 UConn take on Creighton in a massive Big East showdown.


UConn enters at 20-1, led by the veteran presence of Alex Karaban and the explosive scoring of Solo Ball. Creighton is looking for a signature Top-10 win behind local star Jasen Green and sharpshooter Josh Dix.


We’re breaking down every play and taking your questions LIVE. Join the conversation!


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UConn's Inconsistency Problem Has a Surprising Upside, Plus Silas Demary Jr is the Big East POY
01/31/2026

Welcome to another episode of The Hoops Cap, where your host Mark Zanetto dives into the latest on UConn basketball and the madness of the Big East. In today's show, Mark Zanetto explores why UConn's slow starts and surrendering leads might actually be a positive sign for the team, arguing that close games and adversity are helping build their mental toughness for March. He highlights the incredible impact of Silas Demery Jr., making the case for him as Big East Player of the Year and recognizing his all-around dominance, both offensively and defensively. Plus, Mark Zanetto previews the upcoming...


Chelsea Sherrod on UConn, Unrivaled, and What's Happening in College Hoops
01/29/2026

Welcome to The Hoops Cap, where we dive into the latest in Big East basketball. In this episode, Chelsea Sherrod from SNY joins us to discuss UConn basketball and the national college basketball scene. We also play a fun game, getting to know Chelsea and exploring some college basketball highlights. Mark Zanetto and Chelsea dive into https://www.unrivaled.basketball/ The upstart leauge RUN by UConn Huskies Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. How it will change women's sports forever.


Tune in for all the sports news and more on this exciting sports podcast!

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10-0 IN THE BIG EAST! UConn Survives Providence Battle | Live Reaction & Analysis
01/28/2026

STREAK SAVED. The #2 Huskies just moved to 20-1 (and a perfect 10-0 in Big East play) with a gritty 87-81 win over the Providence Friars at a rocking Gampel Pavilion. It wasn't always pretty, but Dan Hurley's squad found a way to close the door in the final five minutes.


In this live reaction show, we’re breaking down:


Tarris Reed Jr. Takes Over: 19 points, including 7 massive points in the clutch to seal the deal.


Solo Ball’s Resilience: Even on a tough shooting nigh...


Champions Win Ugly: UConn’s Streak, Villanova Battle, and Providence Outlook
01/26/2026

Welcome back to The Hoops Cap! In this late-night edition, Mark Zanetto takes you through UConn’s gritty overtime victory over Villanova—a game that extended the Huskies' winning streak to 15, even if it wasn’t always pretty. Mark Zanetto breaks down what’s still holding this team back from being truly elite, including concerns about offensive flow and rebounding, but also shines a light on the clutch performances from Solo Ball and Alex Karaban down the stretch.


The episode dives into some heartfelt moments, from Solo Ball’s emotional nod to his mom—a cancer sur...


The Boat Breakdown | Ryan Boatright on if UConn Will Keep It Rolling this season
01/22/2026

Welcome to The Hoopscap! This week on the Big East Energy Network, your go-to for all things college basketball, we're diving deep into the upcoming games against Villanova and Creighton. Join hosts Mark Zanetto and Ryan Boatright for an insightful college basketball podcast, offering expert analysis and predictions. Don't miss this episode for all the latest on uconn basketball and the Big East Conference!

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Even at 18-1, The UConn Problem Nobody's Talking About Before March Madness
01/19/2026

Welcome to The Hoops Cap, presented by Big East Energy Network! In this episode, Mark Zanetto breaks down the UConn basketball team's impressive 18-1 record and 14-game winning streak. He discusses how the Huskies have been relying on "fumes and championship DNA" to secure victories in close games this season, a testament to their resilience in college basketball. A dangerous pattern is emerging and showing itself in some non-con and here in Big East play. From Georgetown to Seton Hall, UConn’s double-digit leads are evaporating due to second-half scoring droughts and a stagnant post offense. In this episode of...


Building the UConn Women’s Basketball Dynasty with Meg Colmo: Rivalries, NIL, and Nostalgia
01/17/2026

Welcome back to The Hoops Cap! In this episode, host Mark Zanetto joined by UConn basketball legend and ESPN broadcaster Meg Colmo, along with regular contributor Tee Baker and Host of Built to Ball, for an in-depth, fun look at the past, present, and future of UConn women’s basketball.


Before UConn became the powerhouse program with sold-out crowds and stacks of national titles, a foundation was built by trailblazers like Meg Colmo—and today, she’s here to share her insights into what’s shaped the team’s identity and enduring success. From breaking d...


UConn vs Georgetown: Can the Hoyas Compete?
01/16/2026

In this "Energy Exchange" episode, we dive into the upcoming Saturday matchup between UConn and Georgetown. We talk with a co-host from "Bleeding Blue and Gray" to discuss Georgetown's current season and what to expect from the Hoyas. This college basketball game, historically a clash of titans, still brings excitement to the Big East Conference.


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00:00 "Georgetown's Struggles: Roster Issues"


04:29 "Georgetown's First Four Potential"


08:43 "Bulletproof Basketball Strategy"

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UConn Huskies: NCAA Tournament Scenarios & Metrics Deep Dive with Katie Sharp the "Queen of Stats"
01/15/2026

The UConn Huskies are on a tear, but what do the metrics actually say about their path to a #1 seed and a potential historic three-peat? In this episode of the Big East Energy Podcast, we are joined by the "Queen of Stats," Katie Sharp (Stathead/Sports Reference), to break down the analytics behind UConn's 17-1 start.


We dive deep into:


The Resume: Analyzing UConn's #8 NET ranking and their 5-0 road record.


Seeding Scenarios: What happens if they run the table in the Big East...


UConn beats Seton Hall 69-64 at the ROCK
01/14/2026

UConn goes into the Prudential Center and grinds out a 69–64 road win over Seton Hall in one of the toughest environments in the Big East — THE ROCK.


This wasn’t pretty. It was physical, hostile, and exactly the kind of game that defines March teams. In tonight’s live reaction, we break down how UConn survived the possessions that mattered, what this win says about the Huskies’ toughness, and where this team still needs to grow as conference play heats up.


Road wins in the Big East are currency — and UConn ju...


UConn's Dangerous Pattern That Could End Their Season
01/12/2026

This episode of The Hoops Cap is presented by Homefield Apparel — the go-to brand for premium, vintage-inspired college sportswear. Homefield is known for ultra-soft tees, authentic throwback designs, and officially licensed gear that every UConn fan should have in their rotation.


UConn is 16–1, undefeated in Big East play, and stacked with talent — so why does it still feel like something’s missing?


On this solo episode of The Hoops Cap, Mark Zanetto breaks down the post-game controversy following UConn’s 72–60 win over DePaul, explains why criticism is not disdain, and unpacks...


No. 4 UConn 103- Providence 98 in OT: The Big East War! | Live Reaction with Mark Zanetto
01/08/2026

Join Mark Zanetto for an emergency live reaction to one of the most improbable comebacks in UConn Huskies history. Trailing by 11 points with less than three minutes to play in a hostile Amica Mutual Pavilion, the No. 4 Huskies snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to take down the Providence Friars in a 103-98 overtime thriller.


Mark breaks down how Dan Hurley’s squad extended their winning streak to 11 games and proved why they are the class of the Big East.


In this episode, Mark discusses:


...


UConn Beat Marquette 73-57 for their 10th win in a row
01/05/2026

Gampel is going to be rocking! 🔵 We’re LIVE for the post-game reaction as No. 4 UConn prepares to host Marquette for the big Blue Out in Storrs. The Huskies are riding a 9-game winning streak and looking to stay perfect in the Big East. Can Shaka Smart and the Golden Eagles pull off a massive upset, or will Alex Karaban and the Huskies continue their dominance? Drop your score predictions in the chat! 🏀🔥

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QUEEN CITY CONQUEST! Live Reaction to UConn's Win
01/01/2026

The Huskies just made a massive statement in Cincinnati! Join the crew from the Big East Energy Network as we break down UConn’s dominant performance against Xavier at the Cintas Center.


In this live reaction episode, we dive into:


The Blueprint for Victory: How UConn silenced one of the toughest crowds in the Big East.


Key Standouts: Analyzing the individual performances that fueled the win.


Conference Implications: What this result means for the Huskies’ standing and their momentum head...


UConn Huskies Face Xavier Muskies in Must-Watch Matchup
12/30/2025

Welcome to a special New Year's Eve edition of Roll Blob/Hoops Cap shows, on the Big East Energy Network, featuring a lively discussion with Hosts Mark Zanetto and Jason Meyer about college basketball. This episode offers engaging sports highlights and a compelling sports story as we prepare to welcome happy new year 2026. Get ready for an energy exchange as we dive into the world of NCAA basketball. The


UConn Huskies take on the Xavier Muskies in a high-stakes Big East showdown! Both teams are looking to make a statement in this must-watch matchup...


Elite and Almost Complete: UConn's Season Checkpoint
12/23/2025

There’s a calm, almost detached place you land when a team is truly elite—no hype, no defensiveness, just observation. When you’re Top 5, crushing the metrics, and winning the right way, the question isn’t if you’re good, but how close you are to being complete. That is exactly where UConn Basketball is right now.


In this episode of The Hoops Cap, powered by Big East Energy, we move past the standard reaction show to provide a full season checkpoint as the Huskies turn the page toward the Big East grind. We break d...


Live Reaction to UConn's Big East Opener win over Butler 79-60
12/17/2025

UConn opened Big East play with authority, knocking off Butler 79–60 in front of the home crowd. In this live reaction episode of The Hoops Cap, we break down what stood out from the Huskies’ conference opener — from the early tone they set, to the defensive intensity, to the individual performances that helped UConn pull away and control the game for 40 minutes.


UConn’s stat line told the story of a complete, balanced performance in its Big East opener. Solo Ball delivered a career night, pouring in 26 points with efficient shooting and setting the offensive tone fro...


UConn vs. Butler Preview: Can Thad Matta’s Bulldogs Pull The BIG EAST Upset?
12/16/2025

Get ready for a massive early-season Big East battle! The No. 5 UConn Huskies launch their conference schedule as they host the Butler Bulldogs. We're diving deep into the key matchups, from the Huskies' balanced attack led by Alex Karaban and Solo Ball to Butler's high-scoring offense fueled by Finley Bizjack and national rebounding leader Michael Ajayi.


Can the Bulldogs carry the momentum from their thrilling double-overtime win over Providence into Hartford? UConn is a heavy favorite, but Butler has historically kept recent matchups close. We break down the X-factors, game predictions, and who needs...


UConn vs Texas LIve Reaction- UConn Wins 71-63
12/13/2025

A highly anticipated non-conference showdown is over! Join Mark Zanetto LIVE immediately after the final buzzer to break down every angle of the massive UConn vs. Texas game.


The No. 5 Huskies (9-1) hosted the Texas Longhorns (7-3) in Hartford, looking to extend their five-game winning streak and cement their title contender status. Did Alex Karaban and Solo Ball lead the Huskies' strong frontcourt and balanced offense? Or did the Longhorns' high-octane offense, powered by transfers like Matas Vokietaitis and Dailyn Swain, finally grab that signature road upset they desperately needed?


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UConn vs. USC Preview: Elite Eight Rematch & Kayleigh Heckel’s HUGE Development | UConnWBB at MSG!
12/12/2025

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It's the showdown we've been waiting for! Nine months after their Elite Eight clash, UConn travels to Los Angeles for a massive rematch against USC. The Trojans are red-hot, protecting an incredible 19-game home winning streak, and this Saturday's game is their ultimate measuring stick. Can they...


UConn vs Texas Preview: Can the Huskies Keep it Rolling in Non-Conference
12/11/2025

The Hoops Cap: UConn Basketball Insights & Texas Showdown


Welcome to The Hoops Cap, your go-to source for all things UConn basketball! In today’s episode, we dive deep into the upcoming matchup between the UConn Huskies and the Texas Longhorns, analyzing what this game means for both programs.Key Topics Discussed:

UConn’s Dominance: What has fueled UConn's success, including their impressive 4-1 record against ranked opponents?

Texas Under Pressure: Can Sean Miller guide Texas past the challenges they face, especially in a high-stakes environment?

Strategic Matchups: A brea...


UConn beats Florida 77-73.. The Live Reaction Show!
12/10/2025

UConn vs Florida — LIVE Reaction Show!

Mark Zanetto is breaking down every run, every call, and every clutch moment as the Huskies battle the Gators. Jump in the chat, drop your takes, and feel the Storrs South energy in real time!


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#UConn #Florida #CollegeBasketball #BigEastEnergy #LiveReaction #UConnNation #StorrsSouth

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Can UConn get REVENGE on Florida? | A Preview with Fran Fraschilla
12/09/2025

Welcome to the Hoops Cap Pod, powered by the Big East Energy Network! 🎙️ Tonight, we bring you an in-depth preview of the exciting UConn vs Florida showdown, breaking down key matchups and predictions for both UConn basketball and "Florida basketball". Dive into our comprehensive analysis of what to expect in this thrilling college basketball game, as we cover all the angles of this NCAA Basketball contest. We do all this with the Great Fran Fraschilla of ESPN, former coach of St John's, New Mexico, and Manhattan. You don't want to miss it.


#FranFraschilla, #UConn, #Flori...


Did UConn Just Find Their Next NBA Star? | Braylon Mullins Breaks Out
12/04/2025

Mullins Mania has arrived! This episode dives into the thrilling UConn vs Kansas game, where the Huskies showed their dominance, solidifying their championship status

This episode goes deep into:


• Why Mullins’ movement shooting + gravity are exactly what NBA teams draft early

• His competitive edge and defensive instincts (that block!)

• Passing feel and on-ball maturity beyond his age

• The “Landman” analogy — UConn just struck recruiting oil

• How this breakout reshapes UConn’s offense and closing lineups

• Solo Ball and Eric Reibe’s key contributions in the Kan...


MullinsMania runs wild in Allen Fieldhouse , Huskies win 61-56 for their first Program win agains Kansas!
12/03/2025

UConn walks into Allen Fieldhouse and leaves with its most impressive win of the season. Solo Ball dropped 17, Braylon Mullins matched him with a breakout 17 of his own — including the game-sealing block and free throws — as No. 5 UConn rallied from seven down in the second half to beat No. 21 Kansas 61–56.


Eric Reibe added 12, Alex Karaban had 11, and the Huskies held Kansas to two field goals over a 12-minute stretch to completely flip the momentum. Despite missing Tarris Reed Jr., UConn’s defense and poise late were the difference.


Kansas was led...


Is UConn's DOMINATION of Xavier a Sign of Things to Come
12/03/2025

UConn looked unbelievable against Xavier — but these dominant performances are expected. The real question? What actually matters when the competition jumps back up to Iowa, USC, Notre Dame, and Tennessee. Mark Zanetto breaks down Allie Ziebell’s breakout, Ashlynn Shade snapping out of her slump, KK Arnold’s elite defense, Sarah Strong’s all-around brilliance, and why Big East play will inflate UConn’s numbers in ways that don’t translate to March. Are the Huskies truly title-ready… or did Sunday tell us something different? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on X: @markzanettocbb @bigeastenergy @thehoopscap On IG: @markzane...


UConn vs Kansas Preview: Can the Huskies Make History at Allen Fieldhouse?
12/02/2025

UConn heads into The Phog looking to do something no Connecticut team has ever done — beat Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse. We break down Tarris Reed’s game-time decision, the Darryn Peterson factor, Kansas’ offensive tendencies, UConn’s half-court advantages, and why this matchup may come down to Silas, Braylon Mullins, and elite execution.


Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and download The Hoops Cap — your daily home for UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball.


#UConn, #UConnNation, #UConnBasketball, #RockChalk, #KansasBasketball, #AllenFieldhouse, #BigEast, #TheHoopsCap, #NCAAB, #CollegeBasketball, #huskies

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POST GAME, Live Reaction! A breakdown of UConn’s 74–61 win at Storrs South (MSG).
11/28/2025

UConn vs. Illinois from Madison Square Garden — aka Storrs South. Can the Huskies take over MSG again and capitalize on the big-stage energy? Instant reactions, momentum shifts, standout performers, and everything we learned from this heavyweight showdown. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the Big East Energy community!


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What Azzi Fudd's DOMINANT Performance Says About UConn's Future
11/28/2025

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UConn escapes Michigan, Azzi Fudd delivers in the clutch, and Sarah Strong posts a monster effort on the glass. Plus: Utah win reactions, Blanca rising as a third scorer, and the big question — who steps up next: Ashlynn? Allie? KK? And what Sarah Strong’s NIL move says about UConn’s market power.

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UConn’s Issues Are Showing: Where’s the Fire, and Who’s the Alpha?
11/24/2025

UConn fans are feeling the panic after a flat performance — and today we break down why the “we’ll be fine” narrative might be masking deeper issues. From Silas’ quiet triple-double, to Alex and the J’s disappearing, to Solo’s slump and the pressure building on Braylon Mullins… this short-form rant hits everything UConn fans are arguing about today.


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#UConn #UConnBasketball #BigEast #SilasDemary #DanHurley #BraylonMullins #Co...


Geno Auriemma's Secret International Recruit Shocks Fans!
11/21/2025

Hosted by Mark Zanetto & Tee Baker,

The Hoops Cap — on the Big East Energy Network


UConn WBB lands elite Serbian guard Jovana Popovic — the 2024 U18 EuroBasket All-Star, Basketball Without Borders Europe MVP, and one of Europe’s most skilled young playmakers. We break down what she brings to Geno Auriemma’s program, how she fits next to Olivia Vukosa, and what her commitment means for UConn’s growing international pipeline.


We also react to Addison Bjorn committing to Texas, and dive into a full UConn–Michigan preview ahead of Fri...


UConn Football’s Rebuild Is Real — Here’s Why
11/21/2025

UConn Football is officially on the national radar — eight wins, their first AP Top-25 vote since 2010, and a massive chance to hit nine wins this weekend against FAU and one of the top quarterbacks in the country.


Mark Zanetto and Joey Bailbonds break down the rebuild, the culture shift under Jim Mora, David Benedict’s role in the resurgence, the power of that AP vote, and what a win over FAU would mean for recruiting, NIL perception, and UConn’s national trajectory. Plus Joe Fagnano, what are his chances of being in NYC for the He...


The Shocking Basketball Rankings That Had Everyone Talking
11/20/2025

UConn fans, women’s hoops fans, and analytics truth-seekers — this is the conversation.


Mark Zanetto sits down with Kevin Clancy of HOOPS HQ to break down one of the biggest debates in basketball:

When do metrics stop telling the full story?


We dive into why formulas have Sarah Strong at No. 3, why analytics spit out Azzi Fudd at No. 39, and whether advanced stats are missing the intangibles.


#womenscollegebasketball, #UConnWBB, #AzziFudd, #SarahStrong, #CollegeBasketball, #WBB, #Analytics, #BasketballRankings, #BigEastEnergy, #HoopsCap, #KevinClancy, #BasketballMetrics

Le...