UConn is gearing up for a highly anticipated Big East clash with St. John’s, and this one is shaping up to be a thrilling matchup. The Huskies have had their share of challenges this season, going 16-6, but are still a force to be reckoned with, looking to build on recent victories. With a few injury concerns lingering, it’ll be interesting to see how they adjust their lineup going into this game.

St. John’s (20-3), on the other hand, is riding a wave of confidence, staying atop the conference standing, with just one defeat, and is eager to show they’re a serious contender in the Big East. With key players like Deivon Smith and Simeon Wilcher stepping up, the Red Storm will be looking to make a big statement against the defending champs.

Injury impact on Big East showdown

UConn’s injury report reflects both challenges and resilience. Freshman forward Liam McNeeley, who has been sidelined since January 1 with a high ankle sprain, is expected to return soon. Guard Ahmad Nowell has missed the last two games due to an ankle issue, while Hassan Diarra has been playing through a leg injury, still managing to log 25 minutes in the recent Marquette game. Despite these setbacks, the Huskies continue to press on.

Here’s a look at the projected starting five for UConn:

• Hassan Diarra
• Solo Ball
• Alex Karaban
• Samson Johnson
• Jaylin Stewart

However, if McNeeley returns, he may start in place of Jaylin Stewart.

On the other side, St. John’s injury report has some tough news. Forward Brady Dunlap is dealing with a hand injury that will keep him out for the rest of the 2024-25 season. It’s a significant blow to the team, but they’ll be looking to rally together in his absence.

Here’s a look at the projected starting five for St. John’s:

• Kadary Richmond
• AJ Scott
• RJ Luis
• Zuby Ejiofor
• Joel Soriano

This matchup is a big one for both teams as they fight for better positioning in the Big East standings. UConn, on a two-game win streak, is looking to keep its momentum going, while St. John’s is eager to avenge its last season and keep the top-ranking position in the Big East. It’s shaping up to be an intense game with plenty on the line for both sides.

UConn vs. St. John’s: A fierce rivalry with high stakes

St. John’s is riding high on a nine-game winning streak, but they’ve yet to get past UConn in their three matchups from last season. The Red Storm gave the Huskies their toughest test in the Big East Tournament Semifinals, but despite a strong performance, they still didn’t receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The rivalry between these two programs has only intensified, thanks in part to their fiery head coaches, Rick Pitino and Dan Hurley, both known for their passion and fierce desire to win. Things reached a boiling point during that semifinal showdown when Pitino’s friend started jawing at Hurley from courtside, adding a layer of drama to an already heated game.

In their most recent encounter on March 15, 2024, UConn narrowly edged St. John’s (95-90) extending their winning streak against the Red Storm to four games. Historically, UConn has had the upper hand in this rivalry, with a solid 25-15 record at home and a 12-12 mark on the road.

But St. John’s has been playing well lately, pushing UConn to the limit in their recent matchups.

UConn has the edge with its experience, but St. John’s is on a roll and playing with a lot of confidence. If the Huskies can push through their injury concerns, they’ll likely come out on top—but it’s going to be a tight one.