The UConn Huskies men’s basketball team is set to face the Xavier Musketeers in an exciting New Year’s Eve Showdown. This highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, at 5 p.m. The game will take place at the Cintas Center and can be viewed live on Peacock and NBCSN, featuring commentators John Fanta and Nick Bahe.
Huskies’ Recent Performance
UConn enters this game with a strong performance record, having not played since their last victory against DePaul on December 21. With this win, the Huskies are currently on a seven-game winning streak. They hold a 2-0 record in the BIG EAST, achieving this for the third time in the last four seasons.
Defensive Strength
- UConn ranks among the top defenses nationally:
- 6th in scoring defense, allowing 61.1 points per game
- 8th in field goal percentage defense at 37.1%
- 10th in blocks, averaging 6.0 per game
- The Huskies are tied for the national lead in Quad 1 wins.
Key Players
In their last game, UConn showcased exceptional talent, overcoming an eight-point deficit to win decisively. Alex Karaban led the scoring with 21 points, alongside Tarris Reed Jr., who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Silas Demary Jr. contributed significantly with 13 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds.
UConn will, however, miss their leading scorer, Solo Ball, who averages 15.4 points per game. He has recently faced a minor injury, snapping his streak of 47 consecutive starts.
Musketeers’ Season Overview
The Xavier Musketeers hold a 9-4 overall record, including a commendable 7-2 slot at their home venue, the Cintas Center. They have recently split their first two BIG EAST games, losing to Creighton before securing a win against Georgetown.
Top Performers for Xavier
- Tre Carroll leads the team with an average of 16.5 points per game.
- Roddie Anderson III contributes 12.7 points per game, while Jovan Milcevic adds 11.6 points.
- Filip Borovicanin is vital too, averaging 8.8 points along with team highs of 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
Next Steps for UConn
Following their match against Xavier, the Huskies will return home to Gampel Pavilion after nearly a month. They are set to host Marquette on January 4, continuing their pursuit of a successful season.
