Preview: Connecticut Faces Georgetown in Big East Clash

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The nation’s top-ranked team hits the road Saturday as the Connecticut Huskies visit the Georgetown Hoyas in a Big East Conference men’s basketball matchup at Capital One Arena.

Connecticut (17-1, 6-0 Big East) brings a nine-game winning streak into the contest, having most recently edged Seton Hall 69-64 on Tuesday. The Huskies’ lone loss came in non-conference play, and they have dominated league competition, winning by an average of 15.2 points.

Georgetown (9-8, 1-5) looks to halt a four-game skid and pull a monumental upset. The Hoyas have shown fight, dropping an 86-83 overtime decision at Creighton in their last outing.

The spotlight will be on a contrast in star power. Connecticut is powered by forward Tarris Reed, who is playing at an All-American level. Over his last six games, Reed is averaging 14.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, including a 21-point, 3-block performance against Seton Hall.

Georgetown’s hopes rest largely with guard Malik Mack. He leads the Hoyas in scoring and has been a bright spot during their recent struggles, averaging 15.8 points and 3.8 assists over his last five contests. He scored 17 in the narrow loss at Creighton.

The Huskies boast a deep, balanced attack beyond Reed, with guards Braylon Mullins and Alex Karaban providing consistent scoring. Connecticut ranks in the top 10 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

Georgetown, under second-year coach Ed Cooley, has struggled defensively in conference play, allowing 81.8 points per game. Containing UConn’s multifaceted offense presents their greatest challenge.

This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the schools. They will meet again in Storrs on Feb. 14.

Saturday’s game tips off at 12 p.m. EST and will be televised on Fox.

Up Next: Connecticut hosts Villanova on Jan. 24. Georgetown travels to face Villanova on Jan. 21.