Villanova basketball gets statement victory over UConn, 68-66.
The first half of this game was a typical UConn-Villanova slug fest with neither side finding their rhythm on offense and playing physical on defense. That is until Villanova basketball ended the half on a 11-2 run to enter the break with a 7 point lead. Surprisingly, Eric Dixon was quiet in the first half with just 5 points on 1-8 shooting from the floor.
UConn basketball came to life in the second half, more specifically Solo Ball did as he scored 16 points after going scoreless in the first half. Hassan Diarra continues to standout as the lead guard for the Huskies after finishing with 11 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds in this contest.
In the end, it was Villanova basketball that came out with the victory after holding off the Huskies for four different possessions in the final minute of action.
‘CATS BEAT #9 IN THE FINN! 🔥 #GoNova pic.twitter.com/Psxq3nj1qv
— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB) January 9, 2025
Takeaway #1: Eric Dixon is a superstar
This one is pretty obvious, but it cannot be overstated. Despite the slow first half, Dixon still finished with 23 points, went 9 for 9 from the free throw line, and played all 40 minutes of the game.
It’s no secret that the Wildcats run their offense through him, but good luck game planning for a 6′-8″ 265lb athlete who can shoot threes from NBA range, back centers down in the post, and dribble drive to the rim with a smooth finish. Who knows where Villanova basketball would be without Eric Dixon, but fortunately that’s something the Wildcats don’t have to answer right now.
Takeaway #2: The Huskies need help
Dramatic takeaway? Sure. A conference loss on the road to the 41st ranked team in the country (per Kenpom) is certainly not the end of the world. The concern in this takeaway comes from the lack of another go-to player stepping up for the Huskies while they’re without Liam McNeeley. Hassan Diarra did it in the Huskies last game against Providence, but in this game though it seemed like the usual suspects couldn’t get it going.
Alex Karaban struggled shooting the ball and even though Solo caught fire in the second half, his defense on the other end of the floor gave some of those points right back. The Huskies turned the ball over 13 times too which directly led to 15 points for Villanova. This is a night that UConn basketball will try to forget, especially with a short turnaround before their next game on Saturday.
Takeaway #3: The Big East is TOUGH
Already this season we have seen UConn win big games without their star players (victories over Baylor and Texas without Alex Karaban), so major credit to Villanova for getting this marquee victory on their resume early in conference play. UConn did not roll over in this game either as they had multiple chances to take the lead in the closing minute, but fell short on the execution side of things. The Huskies will continue to be a tough opponent for everyone in the league.
Villanova has a notable win over a ranked Cincinnati team on their resume and now adds a victory over a Top-10 ranked UConn team. This team is likely still fighting the narrative fallout from last year’s disappointing season, but if the Wooga Poplar-Eric Dixon connection continues to flourish then the Wildcats will pose a serious threat to the rest of the conference.
It’s any given night in the Big East so come prepared for every game!
Next for UConn (12-3, 4-0): at Georgetown (12-3, 3-1) – Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. EST
Next for Villanova (10-5, 3-1): at St. John’s (13-3, 4-1) – Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. EST