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Big East Basketball: Creighton rises on top in latest 2020-21 power rankings

By Salvador Lopez

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 22: Marcus Zegarowski #11 of the Creighton Bluejays in action in the game against the DePaul Blue Demons during the first half at Wintrust Arena on January 22, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 22: Marcus Zegarowski #11 of the Creighton Bluejays in action in the game against the DePaul Blue Demons during the first half at Wintrust Arena on January 22, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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UConn Basketball
Big East Basketball Connecticut Huskies (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

4. UConn Huskies (10-6, 7-6 Big East)

After missing eight games due to a left elbow injury, UConn’s star sophomore shooting guard, James Bouknight (20.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg), came back strong and is currently on a tear during his last two games.

In his return back, Bouknight played 25 minutes and scored 18 points in a 12-point victory over Providence. On Saturday, Bouknight recorded his second career double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds against Villanova.

With their star back in the lineup, the Huskies’ offense will be in better hands as UConn was trying to grind out games without Bouknight in the lineup. The Huskies went 4-4 during the eight games that Bouknight missed.

The strong suit of UConn’s team this season is through their defense. Currently, the Huskies are at the top of the conference allowing opponents to an average of 65.7 points per game.

On Saturday, the Huskies held Villanova to shoot 5-for-22 from three-point range (22.7 percent). UConn held the Wildcats to shoot 16 percent below their three-point shooting percentage for the season.

Offensively, the Huskies are averaging 69 points per game and need more consistent scoring options behind Bouknight in the lineup to become an even bigger threat. Junior guard, Tyrese Martin (12.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg), scored 18 points against Providence, but he only attempted seven shots against Villanova shooting 3-for-7 from the floor and scoring nine points.

UConn has four games remaining on the schedule before the Big East Conference Tournament. Three of those games the Huskies cannot afford to lose, which will hurt their NCAA Tournament resume in the end.

Next up for UConn will be a road meeting at Georgetown on Tuesday. The Huskies will then host Marquette on Saturday before facing Seton Hall on the road for a crucial matchup on Wednesday, March 3rd. UConn will then wrap up the conference season on Saturday, March 6th at home versus Georgetown.

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