“With everything we’ve been through this year, how are they more desperate than us? How are they beating us to looseballs that have turned into threes? We should be up 20 on them,” said a passionate Dan Hurley in the huddle last month during their game against the Marquettes. This speech managed to motivate his team to win against the then 9th ranked team 77-69.
One month later, here they are, preparing to face each other again. This time, at the iconic Gampel Pavilion on the 5th of March, 8:30 pm E.T., Marquette is coming into this game in good form, having won 4 of their last 5 games. Huskies have won 3 of their last 5 games. The Golden Eagles are out for revenge after their loss to UConn kicked off a three-game losing streak that dropped them from 9th to 21st! It promises to be a tasty affair.
Players to watch out for in both teams
Tarris Reed Jr has been averaging 22 points and 12 rebounds in his last two games and will certainly be a player to watch out for.
Liam McNeeley has been the best player for the Huskies this season, averaging 15.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game, and he will certainly be a player to keep an eye on.
For Marquette, Kam Jones is lighting it up, averaging 18.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. He’s a sholsooting an impressive 48.9% from the field and knocking down 31.7% of his threes. He’s definitely a player to keep an eye on!
David Joplin will be another player to keep an eye on as he averages 13.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for Marquette this season.
No fresh injury concerns for either Marquette or Dan Hurley’s UConn
Al Amadou and Sean Jones will be redshirting this season due to serious injuries. Other than them, Shaka Smart has a full squad for his Golden Eagles. Sean Jones suffered an ACL injury last year against Butler, prior to that, he was averaging 6 points a game. As for Amadou, who was going to be in his sophomore year, his injury hasn’t been revealed yet.
Dan Hurley heads into this game with the luxury of having his full squad ready to go. Last time, Liam McNeeley wasn’t available. But he’ll be back on the court today, giving Hurley even more options to choose from.
Projected starting lineup
Here are the projected starting lineups for both teams :
UConn Huskies:
1 Solo Ball
10 Hassan Diarra
11 Alex Karaban
30 Liam McNeeley
5 Tarris Reed Jr
Marquette Golden Eagles:
1 Kam Jones
2 Chase Ross
4 Stevie Mitchell
12 Ben Gold
23 David Joplin
Can Dan Hurley do a double over Marquette?
Historically speaking, the defending champions have had a great record against the Golden Eagles, leading the head-to-head with 12 wins to 7. While they have been phenomenal away from home with a 6-2 record. The Gampel Pavilion has seen the Huskies lose 4 times to the Golden Eagles.
Nov 6, 2024; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Liam McNeeley (30), forward Alex Karaban (11) and Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley react after a play against the Sacred Heart Pioneers in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
This has to give Coach Smart some hope going into the game. But ESPN analytics are giving the Huskies a 61.7% chance to win and extend their strong record. Even with all the ups and downs this season, Hurley has shown that his team is still a force to be reckoned with, especially after their last two victories.
That said, UConn has won only 4 games against Quad 1 teams this season, and this game will be crucial in their bid for Selection Sunday. A lot will depend on how Hurley motivates his team. A loss to Marquette could end their March Madness hopes unless they manage to win the Big East tournament against all odds. Who do you think will come out on top? Let us know in the comments!
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