Connecticut Visits Marquette in Big East Finale

MILWAUKEE (Interstat) — The Connecticut Huskies, one of the nation’s elite teams, conclude their regular season on the road Saturday against the struggling Marquette Golden Eagles in a Big East Conference matchup.

The Huskies (27-3, 16-2 Big East) enter the 7 p.m. EST tipoff at Fiserv Forum riding high, having clinched the conference’s regular-season title. They have won 14 of their last 15 games, including a gritty 71-67 victory over Seton Hall last Saturday. Forward Alex Karaban has been a consistent force, averaging 16.1 points over his last eight contests. He poured in 23 points in the win over Seton Hall.

Conversely, Marquette (11-19, 5-13) has endured a difficult season but is coming off one of its best performances, a 78-56 road rout of Providence on Wednesday. Guard Adrien Stevens led the way with 21 points in that victory, showcasing the scoring punch he has provided at times during conference play.

The matchup is a stark contrast in trajectories. UConn’s potent offense, which averages 81.2 points per game, will test a Marquette defense allowing 73.1 points per contest. The Huskies won the first meeting this season handily, 73-57, in Storrs on Jan. 4.

For the Golden Eagles, the game represents a final opportunity to build momentum before the Big East Tournament. They will rely on Stevens and backcourt mate Nigel James, who scored 20 against Providence, to keep pace with UConn’s balanced attack.

Connecticut, a projected seed in the NCAA tournament, aims to solidify its resume and maintain its dominant form heading into the postseason. Marquette seeks to play spoiler and cap its home schedule with a signature upset.