Gameday Preview: UConn vs. Marquette | 8 p.m. on FOX

The UConn Huskies are toughest challenge to date on Saturday night as they travel to Wisconsin to face no. 9 Marquette in a showdown of Big East powers.

Marquette sits atop the conference standings with an 18-3 overall record, 9-1 in conference play. For UConn, the season has had some ups and downs before an injury altered its trajectory. 

The Huskies have routinely found themselves in situations where they lead at halftime and then struggle to close games late. They’ve also fallen behind early only to get the game close or even win, as they did on Wednesday night against DePaul.

UConn coach Dan Hurley said depending on the year and the roster the team may need more or less intensity from the coaching staff. He said previously with players like Cam Spencer and Steph Castle, the players kept plenty of fire and motivation.

This year’s team requires more attention from Hurley as the coaching staff continues to build and develop this roster into something dangerous in March.

“We’re trying to develop that mentality with individuals...that’s not an easy thing to do,” Hurley said. “It’s hard to change someone’s personality if they are a little bit timid or if they don’t want all that hate or pressure or want the ball.” 

The Huskies have been a group of fighters that have to be hit a few times before they completely settle into the fight. Hurley added that mentality may have been a blind spot in their roster construction.

“Maybe something on this team we’re going to have to develop or overcome,” he said.

Freshman Liam McNeeley hasn’t played since injuring his ankle a month ago. Prior to the injury, McNeeley was second on the team in scoring and averaged 13.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. He’ll be a game-time decision against Marquette after being a near-full participant in practice. His return would be a big boost as UConn has gone 3-3 since the injury. 

“I think Liam empowers the whole group,” Hurley said. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on the kid, he’s still a freshman player, but his absence has been catastrophic from a basketball standpoint and it's hurt the morale so it would be nice to get him back.” 

Hurley added whether it’s Saturday or another day later, the Texas native will make a difference. 

“He’s a lottery player who is tough and mature, so he’s going to make a big difference whether that’s tomorrow or coming out of the break,” he said. “As long as there’s no more setbacks.” 

UConn will have its hands full either way, as Marquette’s roster is loaded with talent and experience. Hurley, who picked Marquette to finish atop the Big East Conference this season, said the team has perhaps the best guard and best winner in the country. 

READ: Marquette Advanced Scout Preview

Kam Jones leads Marquette in scoring with 18.9 points while also adding 4.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. David Joplin also averages double figures at 14.6 points per game while Stevie Mitchell adds 12.1 points per game. 

UConn has grabbed wins over nationally ranked teams in non-conference play against no. 18 Baylor and no. 8 Gonzaga. The Marquette games may be the only ranked opportunities in league play.

As the Huskies enter Fiserv Forum, they will be counting on Alex Karaban to snap back after a tough shooting performance against DePaul, he was 1-of-14 with eight points, though he did add a career-high eight assists and six boards.

Hurley said despite the tough shooting night, he liked how Karaban played and hopes to see it transition to the next game against Marquette. 

“I liked how Alex played the other day. He attacked the game. We need him to attack the game like that,” Hurley said. “That’s what you have to do as a leading man. I liked how he really attacked and got on the glass and created offense. He had a bad shooting night. He’s going to need to be at his best because Marquette does a great job of turning you over and scrambling and making you play sharp offense.” 

He added these are the moments that Karaban returned to Storrs for. 

“He came back to win more championships and build on an incredible resume and career, but he also came back to school to continue to develop into an NBA player,” Hurley said. “When you’re an NBA player you can carry your team and you can lead a team. Alex is learning how to do this…this is a huge professional development time for him. This is only going to make him better.” 

The Huskies will tip off at 8 p.m. on Saturday.