Providence vs UConn: 2022-23 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
By Joey Loose
The latest major battle in the Big East has Providence heading to Connecticut; can the Friars steal a big one on the road or do the Huskies dish revenge?
TV schedule: Wednesday, February 22, 6:30 pm ET. FS1
Arena: Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut
Providence (20-7) has had a splendid season already, exceeded expectations and sitting in an enviable position in the Big East race. Last week, they beat both Creighton (in double overtime) and Villanova, a pair of wins over the two favorites in the preseason, though the Friars have asserted that they’re one of those heavy favorites now.
The play of sophomore forward Bryce Hopkins (16.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg) has been essential since his transfer from Kentucky this season. Sophomore guard Devin Carter (13.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg) has also fit in nicely since coming over from South Carolina. Throw in some familiarity in seniors Ed Crosswell (13.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Jared Bynum (9.3 ppg, 4.5 apg) and there’s no wonder why the Friars are producing results this season.
Up at 20th in the AP Top 25, Providence sits at 29th in KenPom and 38th in the NET, sitting far lower in some of these metrics than it would seem. They boast a high-powered offense that had a great pair of outings last week, and this Friars team now has double-overtime wins over conference rivals. Sometimes the ball really does bounce your way, but can they keep it up away from home, where they’ve won just one of their last five road games?
On the other side, UConn (20-7) is reasserting itself in recent weeks after a tough run through January. These Huskies won their first 14 games of the season before a dreadful stretch near the beginning of conference play. Winners now of four of their last five, including a double-digit win against Marquette two weeks ago, their new focus is climbing the standings and getting some revenge.
Junior forward Adama Sanogo (16.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg) was always going to be a star this year for the Huskies but the play of sophomore guard Jordan Hawkins (16.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg) has really turned heads, with 20-point efforts in their last two victories. Senior guard Tristen Newton (10.0 ppg, 4.3 apg), who transferred from East Carolina, has been a vital part of the attack, while it would be irresponsible to not point out the play of freshmen Donovan Clingan and Alex Karabn, two dynamic pieces in the frontcourt.
Now 18th in the AP Top 25, Connecticut’s remarkable start to the season still has them 6th in KenPom and 8th in the NET. This is one of the best rebounding teams in the country and they really limit the shot-making ability of their opponents. Connecticut has struggled to make their own shots from beyond the arc recently, but are still finding ways to win these games.
When these teams matched up in Providence back at the beginning of January, it turned into a 12-point victory for the Friars. Hopkins had 27 points and was the game’s best player, with Providence outshooting and outrebounding the Huskies at home. In game two, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see those numbers flip, especially with the way Connecticut has been rebounding; Clingan actually had a double-double off the bench in that first matchup.
Next. Top 25 worst No. 1 preseason teams of all time. dark
If the Huskies can get their shots to fall (like against Marquette) then it might be a long night for the Friars. It’s all going to come down to if that defense can slow down Providence’s hot offense. Don’t be surprised if this is one of those close games that looks more lopsided than it was at the end. These two teams are both very good, but give the edge to a revenge-seeking Huskies squad at home.