Connecticut mainly plays a nine-man rotation, with freshman center Eric Reibe leading the reserves in scoring at 7.1 points per game. The 7’1” big man is very capable off the bench, having scored 15 points as a starter against Arizona.

No. 2 UConn is looking to continue its eight-game home win streak with a victory against Villanova. The teams square off Saturday for the first time this season.

Toughness. It’s something Dan Hurley preaches (or rues about) every post-game press conference. Toughness. Meanness. Killer Instinct. Edge. It’s what comprises UConn basketball. Or, at least what did.

While Villanova's improvement from recent seasons is putting them within striking distance of the Big East lead, while surviving a few close calls allowed No. 2 UConn to maintain its lead and 14-game winning streak.

Preview the Jan 24 matchup between the UConn Huskies and Villanova Wildcats with how to watch, tv channel info, predictions, odds, over/under, spread, betting lines and more.

STORRS – The UConn men’s basketball team used its short break, a much-needed one, to rest both physically and mentally while getting in some extra preparation for Saturday’s game against Villanova, which begins a tougher part of the Big East schedule.

The difference isn’t in the adjustments as much as it is the inherent advantage of the location of each team’s bench during the first half, according to Villanova coach Kevin Willard. Villanova runs its offense in the first half in front of Ed Cooley and Georgetown’s bench,

BOTTOM LINE: Butler travels to Villanova looking to break its four-game road slide. The Wildcats are 7-2 in home games. Villanova has a 12-3 record in games decided by at least 10 points. The Bulldogs are 2-6 in conference matchups. Butler ranks seventh in the Big East shooting 32.2% from 3-point range.

Kevin Willard thinks his young Villanova team will get much better as they age. The Wildcats dropped a tough game to St. John's.