4. Connecticut (27-3)
The season is full of surprises, but few people truly expected UConn to drop that home game against Creighton last week. The Huskies have spent the majority of the season looking like a national contender, certainly evident during an 18-game win streak that included victories over Florida, Illinois, and Kansas. That struggle against the Bluejays opened up the door in the Big East race, but this team slammed it shut really quickly this week.
Connecticut took no prisoners on Tuesday night, routing St. John’s 72-40 in an incredible performance to take back first place in the league standings. Tarris Reed Jr. had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Alex Karaban scored 14 points, and the defense significantly limited the Red Storm in the second half. Saturday was much less of a sure thing, but the Huskies made enough plays late to win 71-67 over Seton Hall. Karaban starred with 23 points, Reed had another double-double, and the Huskies won their third straight game.
While the Big East race could still end in a tie, that emphatic performance for the Huskies not only got revenge for an earlier St. John’s win but also showed just what this team can accomplish. UConn has the talent and strength to hang with any team in the country and it’ll be interesting to see how their March unfolds. We shouldn’t learn too much during the season finale at Marquette, though the Big East Tournament could feature a third matchup with the Red Storm.