#1 UConn Seeks Rebound Against Scrappy Villanova on Historic Game Day
A Big East showdown with national implications looms as the #1 UConn Huskies (24-3, 14-2 Big East) host the unranked, but dangerous Villanova Wildcats (15-11, 8-7 Big East) this Saturday at a rocking Gampel Pavilion. ESPN’s College GameDay returns to Connecticut for the first time in a decade, highlighting the Huskies’ quest for a historic repeat national championship.
Huskies Smarting, Wildcats Undeterred
UConn suffered a rare 19-point blowout loss at Creighton, snapping their dominance. Villanova, currently in sixth place in the conference, knows what it takes to beat UConn – they lost a narrow one-point decision at home in January. While UConn boasts impressive home-court dominance (14-0) their record against the spread at home stands at just 50% at 7-7.
Statistical Edge: Huskies
Connecticut holds a statistical advantage in most categories, but Villanova’s nation-leading free throw percentage (82.2%) poses a threat. Tristen Newton leads the Huskies’ balanced attack with 15.4 points per game, while Eric Dixon (15.9 ppg) spearheads Villanova.
Prediction: UConn Makes a Statement
Expect UConn to come out with a vengeance after their humbling Creighton loss. While our model suggests a tight 72-65 UConn win, we anticipate a more emphatic victory. The Huskies want to send a message and reassert their dominance on the national stage. We like UCONN in blowout fashion.
Game Details
- Game Day: Saturday, February 24, 2024
- Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: FOX