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After suffering their first loss of the season to Xavier, the UConn Huskies look to bounce back vs the Providence Friars on January 4th at 8:30 pm at the Amica Mutual Pavilion.
What's at stake?
This will be the first time the Huskies are playing in Providence, in front of fans, since joining the Big East...again. Last season the game at Providence between the Huskies and Friars was canceled. This created a stir between both fanbases making this matchup a bit more interesting. The Amp is one of the most electric atmospheres in the Big East, and I am sure that the Friar Faithful will give the Huskies a warm welcome...not!
Another big reason this game is so special is that Corey Floyd Jr. will be playing against his former team for the first time this season. Floyd was a member of the 2021-2022 UConn Huskies roster before transferring to the Friars in one of the few inter-conference transfers this offseason. We already saw the Huskies play against Akok Akok earlier this season when the Huskies played Georgetown, so it will be interesting to see the reactions this time around.
Friars are starting the Big East season 4-0 and look to continue their hot streak versus #4 UConn who are 3-1 in the Big East. These are two powerhouse schools playing against each other. The Friars last season won the Big East Regular Season tile and are looking to go back-to-back, while the Huskies are looking to jump on top and show their dominance in the Big East once again.
How to start 2023 strong!
UConn is coming off of a loss vs Xavier, so they will be looking to bounce back and there is no better way to start the new year off strong than with a win on the road, especially at the Amica Mutual Pavillion. Here is how they can get back in the win column.
Although they only went to the free throw line 9 times vs Xavier, The Huskies only made 4, so they must be able to make their free throws, especially in conference play where those will matter down the stretch.
Huskies need to limit their threes and utilize big men like Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan. On Saturday, UConn attempted 37 threes and shot 35% from beyond the arc. Rushing shots like that and trying to play catch-up will not help them win this game. Use Sanogo and Clingan to go up strong under the basket. This size difference that they have against their opponents will create better shots and opportunities to score.
Lastly, they need to limit their turnovers. They had 16 in the loss to Xavier. Now in conference play, playing clean basketball will be essential to winning. They are a very deep team and having the second unit come in will be an asset in winning down the road, in late games, and when there is foul trouble.
The Huskies and Friars tip off for the first time this season at 8:30 pm. This game can be watched on FS1. The next time these two teams play will not be until February 22nd at Gampel Pavilion.
Who Wins?
UConn Huskies
Providence Friars