HARTFORD, Conn. (Interstat) — The top-ranked Connecticut Huskies, boasting the nation’s premier record, will look to continue their dominant season when they host the Xavier Musketeers in a Big East Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday afternoon at XL Center.

UConn (21-1, 9-1 Big East) has established itself as the team to beat, riding a nine-game winning streak since its only loss on Dec. 10. The Huskies are coming off a commanding 85-58 road victory over then-Creighton, a statement win that underscored their status as national title contenders. Guard Silas Demary Jr. has been a steady force, averaging 14.5 points and 6.6 assists over his last seven games, including a 23-point, 15-assist performance in a January overtime win at Providence.

Xavier (12-10, 5-5) enters on a more turbulent path, having split its last six games. The Musketeers narrowly escaped with a 68-66 home win over DePaul last Saturday. Their hopes for an upset will rest heavily on the shoulders of standout guard Tre Carroll, who is averaging 24.7 points over his last seven contests. Carroll scored 21 points with six rebounds in the win over DePaul and has recorded five 29-point-or-higher games since Jan. 10.

The Huskies won the first meeting this season decisively, 90-67, at Xavier on Dec. 31. UConn’s defense, which has held opponents to an average of 62.2 points during its win streak, will aim to contain Carroll and force other Musketeers to beat them.

For UConn, a win maintains its firm grip on first place in the conference. For Xavier, this represents a critical opportunity for a season-defining Quad 1 victory to bolster its postseason resume. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

UConn’s next game is at Saint John’s on Friday. Xavier’s next game is at Saint John’s on Monday, Feb. 9.