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UConn Basketball: 3 keys to Huskies upsetting No. 10 Villanova

By Benjamin Zacher

Jan 18, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; UConn Huskies guard James Bouknight (2) controls the ball in the second half during the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; UConn Huskies guard James Bouknight (2) controls the ball in the second half during the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports /
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R.J. Cole Connecticut Huskies Jair Bolden Butler Bulldogs (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
R.J. Cole Connecticut Huskies Jair Bolden Butler Bulldogs (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

3. In an area where they have struggled a bit this season, the Huskies cannot afford to turn the ball over

Against a team as steady and methodical as Villanova, the Huskies cannot allow the Wildcats to earn easy, extra possessions via turnovers – meaning they will have to clean up an area where they have had not much success in this season.

In 15 games this season, UConn has yet to have a game where their turnovers are in single-digits.  In their last two games – both wins – the Huskies have turned the ball over 24 times, with 11 coming at Xavier and 13 coming against Providence.  Subsequently, teams have scored easily on those turnovers – Providence and the Huskies matched in points off turnovers, 16-16, whereas Xavier enjoyed a 15-10 edge.

The Huskies will desperately need to avoid those miscues against a team like Villanova, however.  The Wildcats lead the league in defensive turnover percentage, forcing opponents to turn the ball over on 21.0% of their possessions.  Their subsequent success in scoring off those errors is showcased in their wins – while their failures translate into losses.

In the losses to Creighton and St. John’s, Villanova was outscored in point off turnovers (11-9 to Creighton and 19-9 to St. John’s) – but, as expected, enjoyed success in that category in their wins, edging Georgetown, 18-17, while decimating Marquette, 30-9, in a game where the Golden Eagles committed 16 turnovers.

The Wildcats and Huskies are two of the slowest teams in both the Big East and the country – meaning, for either to win, they cannot afford the other team extra opportunities.  For UConn to win, they have to be methodical and cut down the number of turnovers – or the Huskies could find themselves handing over easy scoring opportunities.

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Again, this is an absolute must-win for a UConn squad looking for a marquee win.  Their last – and only – win over a definite NCAA Tournament squad was all the way back on December 3rd against USC.  This might be their last opportunity for a resume-building win – and a win or loss could ultimately be the difference in keeping the Huskies out of the NCAA Tournament.  With James Bouknight back on board, however, UConn very much has the potential of pulling off the upset.