8* Connecticut (7:00 ET): UConn has (finally) cracked the Top 25 this week, but this is a team I’ve considered “worthy of being ranked” for some time now. The Huskies are actually 15th in my own personal power ratings. Were they a bit fortunate to get by St. John’s, in overtime, last Wednesday? Yes, they were. They tied the game on a foul shot with just 1.3 seconds left in regulation. But it was also a much-deserved result following close losses to Providence and Seton Hall.

UConn has already played four OT games this season. After some postponements around the holiday, each of the L2 games have required “extra time.” But this one won’t as the Huskies host a Butler team that’s coming off a 40-point loss at Villanova on Sunday. UConn has been excellent in Storrs this season, going 7-1 and outscoring teams by almost 26 PPG. Their overall scoring margin for the season (+15.1 PPG) ranks 17th nationally and they are averaging 80.3 PPG, which is 24th.

UConn had another postponement on Saturday as they were set to face Providence. So the schedule sets up quite nicely for them here. They’ve been off for five days while Butler is playing its third road game in five days and second in the last 72 hours. While Sunday was their worst loss of the season, the Bulldogs have been getting blown out regularly. Six times they’ve been beaten by at least 15 points. Tonight figures to add to that list. Rebounding has been a major concern thus far for Butler and UConn is strong on the boards. 8* Connecticut