The No.4 UConn Huskies (27-3, 17-2 Big East) will look to close their season following a high-stakes matchup against Marquette (11-19, 6-13 Big East) at the Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, on Saturday. If the Huskies can win this game, Dan Hurley’s squad would clinch at least a share of the Big East title and would tie the program’s own record for the most conference wins in a season in league history.
While Marquette’s season has been a disappointment, the Golden Eagles have still won nine of their 11 games at home. So, will this be an opportunity for Marquette to pull off an upset? Let’s find out.
UConn vs. Marquette Prediction
For UConn, winning this matchup is extremely important. They have been idle since a comeback 71-67 victory over Seton Hill last Saturday and heading to the Fiserv Forum, they could be well rested but rusty. Yet, the Huskies have a balanced attack featuring five scorers in double figures.
Solo Ball leads the team averaging 14.1 points per game and Tarris Reed Jr. continues to anchor the paint with 13.7 points, a team-best 7.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. They are averaging a 63.5% field goal percentage as well, while having a 9-1 record on the road this season.
On the other hand, Marquette has been unable to close games, having blown several second-half leads in multiple Big East games. The season itself started on a bad note with a humiliating season-opening loss at home to Georgetown.
Nevertheless, Chase Ross has carried the Golden Eagles through the season, averaging 16.6 points per game. Marquette also has an offensive weapon in freshman Nigel James Jr., averaging 16.3 points and 4.8 assists while shooting 48% from the field. But it’s worth noting that this same team was dismantled 76-62 by the Huskies earlier in January.
The Golden Eagles face a vulnerability in their interior defense, allowing shots at rim at one of the worst rates in the country. This could be a prime matchup for Tarris Reed Jr. to dominate inside.
Earlier for their first matchup this season, UConn held the Golden Eagles to 32.3% shooting and dominated the boards with a 49-37 rebounding advantage. Given the talent gap is hard to overcome even with home court advantage, the game tilts to favor UConn. ESPN’s matchup predictor estimates a 83% chance for UConn to win this matchup.
UConn vs. Marquette Lineups
UConn Lineup
- Solo Ball
- Silas Demary Jr.
- Braylon Mullins
- Alex Karaban
- Tarris Reed Jr.
Marquette Lineup
- Nigel James Jr.
- Adrien Stevens
- Chase Ross
- Royce Parham
- Ben Golden
UConn vs. Marquette Injury Report
For Marquette, guard Sean Jones will sit out for this game due to a foot injury. On the other hand guard Nash Walker and forwards Ian Miletic and Sheek Pearson will also be unavailable after redshirting the season. On UConn’s end, the squad appears to be healthy and fit to field with full strength for Saturday’s matchup.
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