University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Villanova
UCONN MBB Challenges #10 Villanova
2/18/2021 8:46:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UConn Athletic Communications / Feb. 19, 2021
The UConn men's basketball team will take its two-game winning streak on the road to challenge nationally-ranked (#10 / #7) Villanova on Saturday, Feb. 20. The tipoff time is 1 p.m., televised on the Fox Network.
The Huskies (10-5 overall, 7-5 BIG EAST), fresh off victories over Xavier on the road and Providence at home, and with a full roster of active players for the first time all season, challenge the league leaders for the first time this year. Villanova (13-3, 8-2) is coming off a loss at Creighton, its second league loss this year, and the Wildcats have had a week off since.
UConn was given a major boost earlier this week when top scorer, sophomore James Bouknight (20.0) returned to action after a six-week layoff following left elbow surgery. Bouknight wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring 18 points in his first 18 minutes and adding 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals to spark the Huskies to a 73-61 win over the Friars.
Junior Tyrese Martin, who has scored double figures in each of the last nine games, also contributed 18 points, as well as 7 rebounds, while junior R.J. Cole added 13 points and 5 assists.
The Huskies still lead the BIG EAST in scoring defense (65.5), blocked shots (5.2) and rank second in field goal percentage defense (.422).
Villanova has been ranked in the national Top 10 for most of the season and has led the BIG EAST since the conference season began. The Wildcats have a veteran team led in scoring (15.6) and rebounding (7.3) by sophomore Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. The rest of the Villanova starting lineup also averages in double figures -- senior Collin Gillespie (14.1), sophomore Justin Moore (13.4), senior Jermaine Samuels (11.4) and junior Caleb Daniels (10.9).
The Wildcats are the top-scoring team in the BIG EAST (78.2) and also lead the league in scoring margin (8.9), 3-point field goal percentage (.394), 3-pointers made (10.8 per game), free throw percentage (.822), assists (17.4), turnover margin (4.8) and assist/turnover ratio (1.9).
Heading into this weekend's games, UConn stands fourth in the BIG EAST, behind Villanova, Creighton and Seton Hall, with five games remaining on the regular-season schedule. The first five teams in the standings get an automatic bye to the quarterfinals of the BIG EAST Tournament. Â Â Â Â
