Pregame: UConn vs. Villanova

Coming off a signature win against rival Syracuse, UConn returns to the XL Center in Hartford this afternoon to take on the Villanova Wildcats (15-10, 6-6).

Nova arrives in Connecticut having lost to Cincinnati on Tuesday evening in a game where they could muster only 50 points. They are led by the backcourt of Ryan Arcidiacono and Darrun Hilliard who each average around 11 points per game. Their leading scorer is forward JayVaughn Pinkston who comes off the bench and averages 12.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

UConn will need to avoid an emotional letdown. After beating Syracuse in front of a raucous crowd on Wednesday night, a noon game on a Saturday against a middling Villanova team might not create the same level of inspiration. Fortunately, this Husky team has proven capable of creating their own motivation as they battle for a share of the regular season Big East championship.

It will be critical for both Omar Calhoun and Ryan Boatright to maintain the momentum they built against Syracuse. If UConn’s backcourt – including star guard Shabazz Napier – can significantly outplay Villanova, the Huskies should be in position to win.

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On defense, UConn will have to limit Villanova’s three-point attempts. The Wildcats shot 3-13 (23%) from deep against Cincinnati. However, they are 12-0 on the season when burying six or more threes in a game.

Notes:

• UConn head coach Kevin Ollie heaped heavy praise on DeAndre Daniels this week, especially his improved effort on the boards. Daniels is now averaging 5 rebounds per game, the first and only Husky to do so this season.
•  Villanova leads the all-time series against UConn 30-32.
• Shabazz Napier is third in the Big East in scoring (17.4), sixth in assists (5.18) and third in steals (2.0).
• UConn as a team leads the Big East in made three pointers per game (7.09). Now that’s an unexpected stat.
• UConn commit Kenton Facey is in the house to watch the game today.
• Still hate Kerry Kittles (pictured below.

The game will tip just after noon and will be televised on ESPN.