PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — The top-ranked and undefeated Connecticut Huskies close their non-conference schedule Wednesday with a New Year’s Eve test against the Providence Friars at Dunkin’ Center.

UConn (13-0), the dominant force in the Big East, enters riding a wave of blowout victories. The Huskies are coming off a 94-47 road win at Butler on Sunday, their seventh consecutive win by 25 or more points. Their average margin of victory during that stretch is 41.1 points.

Freshman phenom Sarah Strong has been central to that dominance. Over her last six games, she is averaging 18.0 points and 4.2 assists per contest while playing just 25.3 minutes per game. In the win over Butler, she posted 15 points and seven assists in 24 minutes.

Providence (8-6) seeks a program-defining upset to conclude its non-conference slate. The Friars are 5-2 at home this season but are regrouping from a 96-55 loss at South Carolina on Sunday. Forward Nalani Kaysia grabbed 11 rebounds in that contest and will be a key factor for the Friars on the glass against UConn’s formidable frontcourt.

The Huskies’ defense has been stifling, holding opponents to 50.2 points per game, ranking among the national leaders. Providence, which averages 58.6 points, will need to find consistent offense against a UConn team that forces over 20 turnovers per game.

This marks the first meeting of the season between the conference foes. UConn has won 34 straight games against Big East opponents, a streak dating back to the 2021 conference tournament.

Following this game, Connecticut opens its full Big East schedule at home against Seton Hall on Jan. 3. Providence begins its conference road schedule at DePaul on Jan. 4.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST.