In the next Top 10 Big East clash, No.7 UConn Huskies travel to Villanova in hopes of maintaining their 3-game win streak. The Wildcats, on the other hand, aim to paint this opportunity to regain momentum, after a close 55-56 loss to Seton Hall. Despite a better overall record, head Coach Geno Auriemma is cautious of the defense, treading as prepared as they could.

As Huskies star guard, Paige Bueckers gears up for her 100th game for the program and the hosts to break their 6-game losing streak against the women in blue and white, what are the rosters like for the evening ahead?

Lineups: UConn vs. Villanova

The UConn Huskies currently hold a 44-18 record against the Wildcats with the last 6 wins to their name. This season too, the prediction wheel stands in favor of the guests with ESPN’s reading an interesting 97.8%. That must, in part, be based on the fact that Villanova has faced only one ranked team so far and lost by 17 points, while UConn has managed to snag a win against every other unranked team.

Here’s who is expected to carry the expectations from both sides:

UConn

• G: Paige Bueckers
• G: Azzi Fudd
• C: Jana El Alfy
• F: Sarah Strong
• G: Kaitlyn Chen

vs

• G: Jasmine Bascoe
• F: Lara Edmanson
• G: Bronagh Power-Cassidy
• F: Denae Carter
• G: Maddie Webber

The Huskies lineup serves as a challenge for the Wildcat currently ranked 6th in the Big East. Paige Bueckers averages 21.3 points per game while Sarah Strong is impressing with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and four assists. They are also joined by Azzi Fudd, who has returned from an injury hiatus to average 8.2 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Leading the roster on the other side is Jasmine Bascoe with an average of 15.5 points, while Webber follows with 12 points and 3.5 rebounds. No major injuries have been reported on either side so far.

You can catch the action at 1:30 PM ET on January 5, broadcasted on SNY and Fox Sports 1 or streaming on the Fox Sports App, SNY app, or the Big East Digital Network. While the Huskies hold the odds with 12-2 record (3-0) Big East, Auriemma cannot help but note the Wildcats’ defense.

Geno Auriemma keeps an eye out

“Villanova has a long history and a long reputation for their style of play and how well they execute and take care of the ball. And that hasn’t changed. Defensively, you know, that hasn’t changed. They’re still one of the better defensive teams in our league,” Geno Auriemma said in conversation with SNY ahead of the Sunday’s game. 

Villanova averages 65.6 points per game, 12.4 more points than the Huskies concede (53.2). The Wildcats are also shooting 34% from beyond the arc while limiting opponents to 30.9%. However, their home game numbers haven’t shone through offensively, with 66.7 points average. They have fluctuated throughout the season for a 7-7 overall record. But Geno isn’t underestimating them.

“I never take them for granted,” he says. “I have been coming down here for 30 years… so I don’t envision tomorrow being that much different.” The game will tip off at the Finneran Pavilion in Pennsylvania as Bueckers chases her 2,000 points record with 33 more to add.