Is Alex Karaban playing? Evaluating UConn star's availability vs. Butler (Jan. 21)

Alex Karaban is a game-time decision for Tuesday's matchup against the Butler Bulldogs. He is dealing with an ankle injury, having taken part in 16 of UConn Huskies' 18 games this season. The confirmation of him taking part in the contest will be known before the 7 p.m. ET tip-off.

Karaban sprained his ankle during the Huskies' last game against the Creighton Blue Jays on Jan. 18. Coach Dan Hurley provided an update on his status on Monday, saying he didn't participate in the team's practice session.

“He didn’t practice (Monday), but he shot, so we’ll see how he feels with that ankle," Hurley said, per the Hartford Courant. "It’s a sprain, I don’t think it’s as bad as the one he had last year against Providence, where he didn’t play in the St. John’s game at MSG."

How Alex Karaban has performed for UConn this season

Considering the ups and downs No. 19 UConn went through this season while they stay ranked in the AP Top 25, they need Alex Karaban to give themselves the best chance at victory as he is the team's best scorer.

After 16 games, Karaban is averaging 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks per contest. He is shooting 47.5%, including 41.7% from beyond the arc.

UConn has a 13-5 record on the season, producing 80.9 points on shooting splits of 49.5% overall and 36.9% from downtown. They have significant edges over their opponents in rebounding and playmaking, grabbing 34.4 rebounds and creating 19.3 assists per contest.

Solo Ball adds 13.7 points and 2.4 rebounds as the team's best 3-point shooter, with 50 made triples and counting. Liam McNeeley is currently sidelined due to a high ankle sprain but has been averaging 13.6 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Tarris Reed Jr. puts up 9.5 points and 7.3 rebounds.

They face a Butler squad that is 8-10 on the season, having lost six of their last seven games in conference play. They are averaging 72.2 points per game on 44.6% shooting (36.9% from three), having Jahmyl Telfort and Pierre Brooks lead the way with 15.2 points and 15.1 points, respectively.

After this game, Alex Karaban and the No. 19 Huskies will prepare for their next matchup against the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.