5. Connecticut (16-1)
A few seasons ago, UConn marched to a second consecutive national championship with a very strong lineup and fantastic play. We’re not directly comparing this year’s squad to that team, but both were in this kind of position. The Huskies look almost unchallenged in a Big East full of underwhelming teams this year and have proved their value in wins over BYU, Florida, Illinois, and others to this point in the season.
A busy week began back on Sunday with a 73-57 home win over a struggling Marquette squad, an effort that involved a 17-point, 8-rebound game from Solo Ball. Wednesday was very unexpected, as UConn needed overtime and a wild comeback to win 103-98 at Providence. Four different starters had at least 20 points, highlighted by Silas Demary Jr. with 23 points and 15 assists. There wasn’t much to say about Saturday thankfully, as the Huskies coasted 72-60 over DePaul, getting 16 points from Braylon Mullins in another win.
We’re only a few weeks into the conference season, but the Huskies are already 6-0 and are likely favorites in each of their remaining Big East games. That doesn’t guarantee anything, as they learned in Providence, but Dan Hurley will find ways to keep his Huskies motivated, especially with all their goals right in front of them. They take their show back on the road next week at Seton Hall and Georgetown.