The top-ranked and top-seeded UConn Huskies (33-0, 20-0 Big East) face Villanova (25-6, 16-4) tonight in the Big East Tournament Championship at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The Huskies will be aiming for a sixth straight conference title and are going up against a team that gave them a real scare this season. Will they be able to make it? Let’s find out.
UConn vs. Villanova Prediction
UConn has won 49 games in a row and looks invincible coming up against Big East competition. The Huskies recently beat Georgetown and Creighton over the weekend by 45 and 49 points, respectively, making a return to the title game. Sarah Strong, named Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, leads UConn in scoring at 18.5 points per game and in rebounding at 7.6 per game.
Furthermore, Azzi Fudd has been equally brilliant in her final season, heading into the postseason with .490/.451/.950 shooting split. She set the single-season career highs in points, assists, rebounds, and steals as well.
Villanova has won 10 of its past 11 games, all but one by at least 10 points. Sophomore guard Jasmine Bascoe led the Wildcats with 26 points in their last game against UConn, followed by Denae Carter adding 21, giving Villanova the lead at halftime. The Novas became the first team this season to achieve this feat against UConn.
In the semifinal against Seton Hill, Villanova showed stellar defensive performance, scoring a third of their points off 16 forced turnovers. This shows that the team can create chaos whenever possible.
Yet, the numbers appear to be the biggest testament to this matchup. Villanova was overwhelmed by a 99-50 loss against UConn in their first matchup this season. In the rematch on February 18, the Huskies once again outscored Villanova by 14 points. Unless Villanova can match their best defensive performance while shooting at an elite clip, this matchup seems pre-destined. Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong could definitely put on a show in what could be one of the last times the senior core plays together before the NCAA Tournament.
ESPN’s matchup predictor estimates a 98.2% chance for UConn to clinch this matchup.
UConn vs. Villanova Lineups
UConn Lineup
- Azzi Fudd
- KK Arnold
- Sarah Strong
- Serah Williams
- Blanca Quiñonez
Villanova Lineup
- Jasmine Bascoe
- Brynn McCurry
- Kennedy Henry
- Denae Carter
- Megan Spaan
UConn vs. Villanova Injury Report
For the Huskies, Ice Brady is placed in a day-to-day situation after undergoing a season-ending knee surgery. Sophomore guard Morgan Cheli, who recently underwent surgery for her ankle injury, is also not expected to return for this game. On the other hand, for the Villanova Wildcats, there aren’t any major injuries to report and the team is expected to field in full strength.
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