No. 1 seed UConn women’s basketball vs. No. 4 Villanova: time, how to watch, broadcasters, preview
The top-ranked and top-seeded Huskies are back at it in the Big East women’s basketball tournament Sunday at 3 p.m., when they’ll take on fourth-seeded Villanova on FS1.
After finishing the regular season 14-5 (9-5 in conference), Villanova is coming off a 78-72 overtime win over No. 5 DePaul. UConn only played the Wildcats once this season, back in December, as the teams’ second regular-season matchup was postponed due to COVID-19 issues and never rescheduled. The Huskies took Villanova down that December night, 90-52. Villanova boasts the conference’s top scorer (23.6 points per game) and rebounder (10.3) in sophomore Maddy Siegrist.
Here’s what you need to know about the matchup:
Site: Mohegan Sun Arena
Time: 3 p.m.
Series: UConn leads, 37-17
Last meeting: No. 3 UConn 90, Villanova 52, in Villanova, Pa., Dec. 22, 2020
TV: FS1 (Lisa Byington, Sarah Kustok)
Radio: UConn IMG Sports Network on 97.9 ESPN
Villanova probable starters, sixth man:
Maddy Siegrist, F, 6-1, So.; Brianna Herlihy, F, 6-0, Sr.; Brooke Mullin, G, 5-11, So.; Sarah Mortensen, G/F, 6-1, Sr.; Raven James, G, 5-6, Sr.; Bella Runyan, G, 5-11, Fr.
UConn probable starters, sixth man:
Christyn Williams, G, 5-11, Jr.; Olivia Nelson-Ododa, F, 6-5, Jr.; Evina Westbrook, G, 6-0, R-Jr.; Nika Muhl, G, 5-10, Fr.*; Paige Bueckers, G, 5-11, Fr.; Aaliyah Edwards, F, 6-3, Fr.
*Muhl exited Saturday’s game with an ankle sprain, the severity of which is currently unknown.
The matchup
UConn’s offense: UConn hasn’t looked its best offensively the last few games, but it was able to get out in transition a ton against St. John’s in Saturday’s quarterfinal. Bueckers, Williams and Nelson-Ododa all finished in double figures, while Westbrook and Edwards also had solid nights. The freshmen as a whole accounted for 38 points and 17 rebounds.
UConn’s defense: The Huskies’ calling card as of late, including in the quarterfinals. UConn’s forced 21 turnovers, six more baskets than St. John’s scored by the end of the game, and scored 32 points off those turnovers. The unit will have a much greater challenge Sunday looking to contain Siegrist. Last time playing Villanova, UConn found success with its zone, which helped limit Siegrist to only two second-half points after she put up 13 in the first.
Villanova’s offense: The Wildcats gave UConn some issues in December with their great offensive movement and strong cutting. They also like to take a lot of 3s, though they only make 31.2 percent of them. Siegrist dazzled in Villanova’s quarterfinal game, finishing with 30 points (on 11-19 shooting, 3-4 on 3s) and 11 rebounds. Ten of those points came in overtime. Herlihy also chipped in 19 points.
Villanova’s defense: The Wildcats allow opponents to score 66.3 points on 40.2 percent shooting, and have a +3.1 edge on the boards. In the December meeting, Villanova had trouble containing the Huskies, with UConn dominating the paint 56-14 and four players coming away with 17 or more points.
UConn keys: Staunch defense that communicates and keeps up with a Villanova offense known for its great movement; contain Siegrist; attack the paint on offense
Players to watch: Sophomores Aubrey Griffin and Anna Makurat will likely see more time if Muhl can’t go Sunday. Makurat was limited to 10 minutes Saturday, her first game back since Jan. 21 as she dealt with a stress fracture. In Muhl’s absence, UConn could use Makurat’s facilitating and shooting, as well as Griffin’s defensive energy.
About Villanova’s coach: Denise Dillon, a 1996 grad of Villanova, took the reins this offseason following the retirement of Harry Perretta, who spent the previous 42 years leading the Wildcats. Dillon notched a 329-204 record in 17 years at Drexel and achieved a 68-43 record as a player in the program.
Villanova’s mascot: Will D. Cat
Famous alumni: Former Connecticut governor John Rowland, former NFL player and sports analyst Howie Long, actress Maria Bello
Alexa Philippou can be reached at aphilippou@courant.com
