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Matchup Preview: No. 1 UConn visiting Villanova
The Huskies have won six in a row heading into tonight's Big East battle in Philly.
Ryan Cassidy
January 20, 2024
On Wednesday night, the UConn Huskies took to the floor for the first time as the No. 1 team in the country and proved why they’re worthy of that spot. In front of a sold-out Gampel Pavilion, they turned in one of their most dominant performances of the season, holding Creighton’s usually formidable offense to just 48 points.
It also helped to have center Donovan Clingan back in the fold. UConn went on a 9-0 run in 2:36 after he checked in for the first time off the bench in the first half.
Freshman guard Stephon Castle was another key to the strong defensive performance, going up against Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman, one of the better guards in the country and a projected NBA Draft pick. Scheierman finished just 4-of-11 from the field with two turnovers and seemed generally unable to get to the spots on the floor that he wanted. That is a testament to the effort, physicality, and maturity of Castle.
In fact, the entire lineup’s elevated defensive effort was apparent throughout the game.
Creighton tries to establish Ryan Kalkbrenner in the post here, but Stephon Castle takes the ball right out of the hands of Baylor Scheierman
The freshman was terrific all game guarding one of the better wings in the country
— Ryan Cassidy (@ryancassidycbb)
5:17 PM • Jan 18, 2024
UConn vs Villanova Preview
When: Saturday, January 20, 8:00 PM ET
Where: Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
TV: FS1
Radio: UConn Sports Network – 97.9 FM
KenPom Prediction: UConn 71, Villanova 69
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