"Rick Pitino's Johnnies made a statement in the first meeting between the two programs on Friday, Feb. 6 inside Madison Square Garden, when they upset the then-third-ranked Huskies 81-72. In addition to giving UConn a dose of its own medicine - wearing down opponents with relentless defense - St. John's was able to snap UConn's 18-game win streak thanks to their front court with Zuby Ejiofor (21 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and two steals), Dillion Mitchell and Bryce Hopkins."
"Both teams are a combined 30-3 in Big East play this season, and hold a 25-6 combined Quad 1 and Quad 2 record. The Red Storm enters the night with a 1/2 game lead in the Big East standings over the Huskies, who dropped a second conference game to Creighton last week."
"UConn is coming off a bounce-back win over Villanova. The Huskies, fighting to stay in contention for a No. 1 seed in March Madness, got 23 combined points from Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr., who has been playing a lot better in Year 2 in Dan Hurley's system, in their 10-point win over the Wildcats."
UConn and St. John's meet Wednesday in a crucial Big East matchup with significant implications for the conference tournament. St. John's holds a half-game lead in the standings and enters as the favorite after defeating then-third-ranked UConn 81-72 on February 6 at Madison Square Garden, snapping the Huskies' 18-game winning streak. Both teams have dominated Big East play, combining for a 30-3 record. UConn recently bounced back with a 10-point victory over Villanova, while St. John's continues strong play led by their front court. The game tips off at 7 p.m. ET in Hartford, Connecticut, and will stream exclusively on Peacock.
#college-basketball #big-east-conference #uconn-vs-st-johns #ncaa-tournament-seeding #conference-tournament-implications
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