UConn hosts Villanova at the XL Center on February 18. The Huskies are 17-8 and sit fourth in the Big East, while the Wildcats are 15-11 and rank fifth in the conference. This is their second meeting this season, with Villanova winning the first matchup 68-66 on January 8.
UConn enters this game looking to bounce back after a tough overtime loss to Seton Hall. Villanova also needs a win after falling to Providence by 13 points. Both teams are fighting for better positioning in the Big East as the season nears its end.
UConn Preview – Can the Huskies Limit Mistakes?
The Huskies have struggled in close games, losing multiple matchups by six points or fewer. Against Seton Hall, they blew a seven-point lead in the final minute of regulation and made critical turnovers in overtime. UConn is shooting 47.1% from the field but has struggled from three-point range.
Alex Karaban led the team with 20 points in the last game, but he has been inconsistent from deep, making just 6 of his last 44 three-point attempts. The Huskies rank among the top teams in rebounding, pulling in 30.9 boards per game, but turnovers remain a concern. Their defense allows 68.5 points per game, ranking 79th nationally.
At home, UConn has been strong with a 10-2 record. The Huskies also have a solid track record against Villanova, winning three of their last five meetings. However, their struggles with late-game execution could be a factor again.
Villanova Preview – Can Dixon Lead the Wildcats?
Villanova has been inconsistent, but they own a key win over UConn earlier this season. The Wildcats recently pulled off a big win against St. John’s but followed it with a loss at Providence. Eric Dixon, the nation’s top scorer at 23.2 points per game, was held to 15 points in that defeat.
The Wildcats shoot 39.7% from three, ranking fourth in the country. However, they struggled from deep against Providence, making just 30.8% of their shots in the first half. Villanova allows 68.5 points per game, similar to UConn, but has struggled on the road with a 2-6 record.
Villanova needs a strong finish to improve its NCAA Tournament chances. If Dixon can return to form and the Wildcats hit their outside shots, they could challenge UConn again. Their previous win over the Huskies shows they can compete in this matchup.
Betting Prediction
UConn is an 8-point favorite at home, with the total set at 139.5. The Huskies have a strong home record and have covered in 15 of their last 25 home games. Villanova has struggled on the road but kept the first meeting close.
UConn should win, but covering the spread could be tough. Villanova has played them close in recent meetings, and Dixon is a scoring threat. The total trends under when these teams play, making the under a solid play.
Pick: Villanova +8, Under 139.5
This should be a really fun basketball game on Tuesday night in the Big East!
