Uconn Huskies vs Xavier Musketeers Picks and Predictions December 18th 2024

UConn Builds Momentum After Maui Setback

No. 11 UConn is back in form as it prepares to host Xavier in its Big East opener on Wednesday in Hartford, Conn. After a rocky showing in the Maui Invitational, where the Huskies went 0-3, the two-time defending national champions have rebounded with a four-game winning streak, capped by a statement 77-71 victory over then-No. 8 Gonzaga on Saturday in New York.

“We’ve got momentum,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said. “I think we’re in a good place in terms of our confidence and our belief that we can be where we want to be with this team. We’re excited about Big East play. It’s an awesome conference and the regular season is such a war.”

The Huskies (8-3) will look to carry their undefeated home record (6-0) into conference action but may be without center Samson Johnson, who suffered a head injury against Gonzaga. Johnson, averaging 7.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, is in concussion protocol.

Karaban, McNeeley Leading UConn’s Charge

UConn’s success this season has been fueled by Alex Karaban and freshman standout Liam McNeeley.

• Alex Karaban: Averaging 15.6 points per game, Karaban continues to be the steady offensive presence for UConn.
• Liam McNeeley: The talented freshman is averaging 13.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He delivered a career-best 26 points in the win over Gonzaga.

“He’s playing winning basketball — smart, tough basketball,” Hurley said of McNeeley. “He’s doing it at both ends. There’s so much pressure on him because he’s our second-best player next to Karaban.”

Xavier Hopes to Clean Up Mistakes

Xavier (8-3) enters the game seeking to tighten its play after a disappointing 68-65 loss to then-No. 22 Cincinnati on Saturday. Costly turnovers in the closing moments proved to be the Musketeers’ downfall.

“Fourteen turnovers is too many for us to win the game,” Xavier coach Sean Miller said. “… We just folded in the end with our turnovers. In those final minutes, you can’t play against UC and yourself.”

The Musketeers are led by:

• Zach Freemantle: Averaging 16.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, Freemantle is a key force on both ends of the floor.
• Ryan Conwell: He’s been sharp from deep, averaging 3.5 made 3-pointers per game while scoring 16.5 points per contest.
• Dayvion McKnight: Adds balance with 10.3 points per game and defensive effort.

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Big East Play Sets the Tone

The matchup promises intensity as both teams seek an early statement in Big East competition. UConn, determined to defend its conference crown, looks to Karaban and McNeeley for leadership, while Xavier will need to limit turnovers and rely on Freemantle’s consistent production.

Karaban is ready for the challenge, saying, “Big East play is no joke. I’m glad we proved to everybody who we are, but we have so much more work and so much more we can do as a team.”

With UConn’s swagger restored and Xavier eager to bounce back, Wednesday’s game marks a pivotal showdown in the Big East.

Prediction: UConn 75, Xavier 68