The stakes are high, but something will have to give when No. 1 UConn plays host to No. 4 Marquette in the first of two scheduled meetings between the Big East juggernauts. The Huskies (23-2, 13-1 Big East) enter with the nation's longest winning streak at 13, while the Golden Eagles (19-5, 10-3) have won eight straight themselves.
If anyone is going to chase down UConn in the Big East title race, it will be Marquette. The Golden Eagles are the lone team within two games of the Huskies in the conference standings. But winning on the road against the reigning national champions will be a tall order for coach Shaka Smart's club.
UConn is unbeaten at home this season, and Saturday's "stripe out" game should make for a raucous atmosphere as fans at the XL Center wear either blue or white, depending on their section. The all-time series is tied 8-8 after Marquette won two out of three last season, including a victory in the Big East Tournament semifinals.
The Golden Eagles have dropped their last three road games against the Huskies. But among their eight straight wins are five road victories.
How to watch UConn vs. Marquette live
Date: Saturday, Feb. 17 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: XL Center -- Hartford, Connecticut
TV: Fox | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
UConn vs. Marquette prediction, picks
Marquette was the last team to beat UConn last season, and the fact that the Golden Eagles won the season series 2-1 should motivate the Huskies. UConn is coming out of a relatively easy portion of its schedule and will be fresh enough to stretch out the lead in the second half. The Huskies are operating at a level above the rest of college basketball, and it would be difficult for anyone — even a quality team like Marquette — to keep things close on the road against this team. Prediction: UConn -7
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