A lot has changed since UConn last squared off against Villanova, and when these two Big East foes meet again on Saturday afternoon at PeoplesBank Arena, the matchup will feature a very different-looking Wildcats squad - and a new man at the helm.
Villanova made a significant shift last March, parting ways with Kyle Neptune after three underwhelming seasons and bringing in a familiar face to Big East fans: Kevin Willard. Yes, that Kevin Willard - the former Seton Hall head coach who didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet when UConn rejoined the Big East five years ago. Now, he’s in charge of reviving a Villanova program that needed a jolt, and early signs suggest he’s doing just that.
The Wildcats return just two players from last year’s team that went 11-7 in conference play and finished sixth in the league. Only one of those returners, Tyler Perkins, saw meaningful minutes.
But despite the roster overhaul, Willard has quickly molded this group into a competitive unit. Villanova went 9-2 in non-conference play, including a gritty road win over Wisconsin in Milwaukee and a narrow loss to then-No.
12 BYU. That résumé has them sitting at No. 33 in the NET rankings - third among Big East teams behind only UConn (No. 7) and St.
John’s (No. 23).
At the center of Villanova’s resurgence is Bryce Lindsay. The James Madison transfer has stepped into a starring role, leading the team in scoring and topping the Big East in three-point shooting at a sharp 40%. He’s been the go-to guy for the Wildcats, and his ability to stretch the floor will be a key factor against a UConn defense that thrives on contesting perimeter shots.
Inside, Grand Canyon transfer Duke Brennan has brought physicality and consistency to the frontcourt. He’s averaging a double-double and pulling down 10.6 rebounds per game - good for second-best in the conference. His presence in the paint will test UConn’s interior defense, especially with Tarris Reed Jr. anchoring things down low for the Huskies.
And then there’s Acaden Lewis - a name that’s quickly climbing the national radar. The former top-40 recruit initially committed to Kentucky but landed at Villanova, where he’s averaging 12.3 points per game and making a strong case as one of the top freshmen in the country.
The Big East is loaded with standout rookies this season, and Lewis is firmly in that conversation. Of course, UConn has its own freshman phenom in Braylon Mullins, who’s been a steady contributor on both ends of the floor.
Saturday’s showdown will be a good old-fashioned Big East battle - physical, fast-paced, and full of talent. UConn, currently ranked No. 2 in the country, has been rolling behind a balanced attack.
Tarris Reed Jr. leads the Huskies with 14.5 points per game, while Alex Karaban (13.6 PPG) continues to be a matchup nightmare with his inside-out scoring ability. Solo Ball (14.1 PPG) and Silas Demary Jr.
(10.2 PPG) give UConn a dynamic backcourt, and Mullins adds an extra layer of versatility.
This isn’t the same Villanova team UConn beat twice last season. Willard has retooled the roster, injected new energy into the program, and brought in a group that’s hungry to prove it belongs among the Big East elite. UConn, meanwhile, is looking to maintain its grip on the top of the conference and keep its national title hopes on track.
Tip-off is set for 12:30 p.m. on FOX. Expect a high-level chess match between two teams with plenty of firepower and a lot to prove - one trying to stay on top, the other trying to climb back into the spotlight.
Projected Starters:
Villanova
- Bryce Lindsay (G) - 14.7 PPG
- Tyler Perkins (G) - 12.3 PPG
- Duke Brennan (F) - 12.1 PPG
- Matt Hodge (F) - 9.8 PPG
- Acaden Lewis (G) - 12.3 PPG
UConn
- Solo Ball (G) - 14.1 PPG
- Silas Demary Jr. (G) - 10.2 PPG
- Tarris Reed Jr. (C) - 14.5 PPG
- Alex Karaban (F) - 13.6 PPG
- Braylon Mullins (G) - 11.6 PPG
This one has all the makings of a classic Big East clash - new faces, familiar stakes, and a whole lot of talent on the floor.