No. 25 UConn Working on Climbing Back Up Poll, Faces No. 15 Baylor The No. 25 UConn Huskies are set to host No. 15 Baylor in a crucial nonconference matchup on Wednesday in Storrs, Conn., as both teams aim to solidify their footing in the early stages of the season. UConn (5-3) enters the game seeking to rebound from a humbling trip to the Maui Invitational, where it dropped all three games and fell from No. 2 to the edge of the AP Top 25. A 99-45 rout of Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday helped the two-time defending national champions regain some confidence, but head coach Dan Hurley remains focused on the long-term growth of his team. “I don’t think

No. 14 Cincinnati Expecting Tough Test from Villanova Unbeaten Bearcats Meet Unpredictable Wildcats The No. 14 Cincinnati Bearcats will look to maintain their perfect start to the season when they face Villanova on Tuesday in Philadelphia as part of the Big East-Big 12 Battle. For Villanova, the game presents an opportunity to steady their inconsistent play against a formidable opponent. Cincinnati’s Defensive Dominance The Bearcats (6-0) enter the matchup after a 77-59 victory over Alabama State last Wednesday, extending their unbeaten run. Cincinnati’s defense has been its hallmark, holding Alabama State to just 30.3 percent shooting from the field and 23.3 percent from beyond the arc. They also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Hornets 52-35. Despite the win, Bearcats coach

No. 2 Auburn Arrives for Prove-It Game at No. 9 Duke Auburn’s Momentum Meets Duke’s Home-Court Advantage Wednesday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium will feature a battle of basketball heavyweights as No. 2 Auburn visits No. 9 Duke in a marquee matchup of the ACC-SEC Challenge. Both teams come into the clash battle-tested, making this an early-season prove-it game. Auburn Riding Maui Momentum Auburn (7-0) jumped to No. 2 in the latest Top 25 poll after dominating the Maui Invitational. The Tigers overcame an 18-point deficit to defeat then-No. 4 Iowa State, rolled past then-No. 12 North Carolina 85-72, and capped the run with a convincing 90-76 win over Memphis in the title game. Fifth-year forward Johni Broome was the

Iowa’s O hopes to stay hot vs. defense-minded Northwestern Iowa’s basketball team aims to extend their offensive dominance as they host Northwestern in the Big Ten opener on Tuesday in Iowa City. While the Hawkeyes dazzled with a 110-point outburst in their most recent game, Northwestern’s defense poses a significant challenge that could turn this matchup into a battle of styles. Sign Up! Iowa’s Offensive Surge The Hawkeyes (6-1) enter the game on the heels of a commanding 110-77 victory over South Carolina Upstate on Nov. 26. This offensive explosion came right after their lowest-scoring game of the season, underscoring their ability to bounce back in a big way. Despite injuries to key frontcourt players—Seydou Traore (ankle), Even Brauns, and