UConn Looks to Stay Hot Against Xavier
No. 19 UConn heads to Cincinnati on Saturday night to face Xavier in a rematch of their dramatic December clash. The Huskies (14-5, 6-2 Big East) look to maintain their strong Big East form, while the Musketeers (12-8, 4-5) aim to bounce back from a frustrating overtime loss at St. John’s.
This matchup promises intensity, as both teams have shown they’re capable of thriving under pressure—or crumbling when it counts.
Xavier Aims to Rebound
Xavier enters the game looking to recover from a collapse against St. John’s on Wednesday. The Musketeers had a 16-point lead early in the second half but allowed the Red Storm to rally and force overtime, ultimately losing 79-71.
Coach Sean Miller acknowledged the team’s struggles with maintaining composure in critical moments:
“It’s called game pressure. It’s time, score, crowd. There’s a lot at stake. Possessions are sacred,” Miller said.
The Musketeers also face uncertainty with Dailyn Swain, who suffered a late-game leg injury against St. John’s. Swain’s absence could leave Xavier shorthanded in a critical game.
Xavier will lean heavily on Ryan Conwell, who scored 21 points in the loss, and hopes to see a stronger interior presence after being outscored 48-24 in the paint.
UConn Looks to Build on Overtime Win
The Huskies escaped with an 80-78 overtime victory over Butler on Tuesday, overcoming foul trouble and a late-game scoring drought. Despite the win, coach Dan Hurley continues to express frustration with officiating, which has been a recurring theme throughout the season.
“I just wish they would not have the camera on me 90 percent of the time,” Hurley said, addressing his sideline demeanor and its possible impact on officiating.
UConn’s Adama Sanogo will be a key player, as he leads the team with 17.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Guard Jordan Hawkins, averaging 15.4 points, will also look to replicate his strong performance from the teams’ December matchup, where he poured in 22 points.
Key Matchups
- Adama Sanogo vs. Xavier’s Frontcourt: Sanogo’s scoring and rebounding could pose a challenge for a Xavier team that struggled to protect the paint against St. John’s.
- Guard Play: UConn’s Hawkins and Tristen Newton will face off against Xavier’s Conwell, with both teams needing their backcourts to step up in high-pressure situations.
- Overtime History: UConn narrowly edged Xavier 94-89 in overtime during their first meeting. Will the Huskies maintain their composure again, or will Xavier exact revenge at home?
Prediction
UConn’s balanced scoring and ability to handle close games give them an edge over Xavier, especially with the Musketeers potentially missing Swain. Look for the Huskies to capitalize on Xavier’s struggles in the paint and add another Big East win to their record.
Final Score Prediction: UConn 84, Xavier 77
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Conclusion
This Big East battle offers a chance for UConn to solidify its standing as a conference contender while Xavier looks to regain confidence. Expect a hard-fought game in Cincinnati, with both teams eager to prove they can handle high-pressure situations.