Gameday: No. 11 UConn vs. Providence | 2:30 p.m. ET
The Huskies are favored in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals and have a lot of mojo behind them.
UConn is one win away from the Big East Tournament final.
Okay, not really. The quarterfinals are today and a win over Providence would set up a semifinal matchup, most likely against Marquette.
But UConn would obviously win that, right? Playing a midwestern team at Madison Square Garden, an opponent they beat at home by double digits?
The path for UConn is clear as ever to claim the program’s first new Big East title since joining in 2020. There isn’t a team in the field that would be favored against them in this tournament.
Quarterfinal Preview
The game is at 2:30 p.m. on FS1 from MSG. You can read a full breakdown of the matchup against Providence on The UConn Blog.
Radio: UConn Sports Network
Odds: UConn -7, over/under 145
KenPom Predicted Score: No. 4 UConn 78, No. 5 Providence 71 | 75 percent win probability
Stat Comparison
The Huskies have an edge in most major categories. They are better in the key scoring and defensive metrics, while the assist and rebounding numbers are particularly encouraging for them.
Fouls will be critical as Providence gets about a fifth of its scoring from the free-throw line and if one of UConn’s bigs gets into foul trouble it could open a lot up for PC. UConn will need to maintain its trademark defensive intensity without drawing too many whistles.
Dan Hurley’s squad is the best in the country against Quad 1 opponents.
Providence at MSG…may not be a Quad 1 opponent, but still, this bodes well for the Huskies’ future.
Road to MSG
It may be corny or overwrought, but the excitement of being on the train to New York City for the Big East Tournament is unlike any other. No matter how many tourneys or games in MSG you attend, the next one is always something to look forward to.
As you read this, Husky fans are driving, taking trains, busses, and even some planes, to descend upon the city and cheer them through another Big East Tournament run. People are crushing beers on Metro North, UConn chants can be heard in Grand Central and Penn Station, and if the weekend continues it will be nothing short of magical on Friday.
If you’re looking for a place to hang out and meet other fans before or after the game, UConn hosts something at Legends, a bar near Penn Station/MSG, and you can also head to Twitter to find other friends in NYC! Feel free to reach out to @TheUConnBlog if you’re looking, we may have a fun post-game party today if things go well…
Down goes Boeheim!
In other fun, exciting news, Jim Boeheim’s career is over, with one national championship to show after a mere 47 years leading Syracuse.
Boeheim’s career ended on a last-second shot against a team he accused of cheating in the opening round of a conference tournament in Greensboro, and he was relieved of his duties without any fanfare or him making any public comments about his time being over, a fitting ending for a truly mediocre career. Good riddance, fool!
Good Great boy
In case you need any more nourishment, here are some pictures of Jonathan the Husky at the Empire State Building.
