No. 3 UConn Battles Big East Foe Georgetown in D.C. Showdown
The Connecticut Huskies, riding high as the No. 3 team in the nation, are set to face a desperate Georgetown squad in Washington, D.C., this Saturday. For UConn, the goal is simple: maintain their perfect start in Big East play. For the Hoyas, it’s about finding the breakthrough moment that has eluded them in what has been a challenging third year under Head Coach Ed Cooley.
The matchup at Capital One Arena pits the conference juggernaut against a Georgetown team that, despite showing flashes of promise, is struggling to secure wins when it matters most. This contest is more than just a regular-season game; it’s a measure of UConn’s killer instinct against a program eager to prove it can compete nightly in the Big East.
Georgetown’s Season of Near Misses
Optimism surrounded the Hilltop entering the season. After securing eight Big East wins in 2024-25—their best mark since the 2018-19 campaign—and bringing in a highly-rated transfer class, expectations were elevated. Georgetown was selected sixth in the preseason coaches’ poll, a projection that has proven wildly inaccurate given their current standing.
The Hoyas started conference play strong with a road victory at Marquette. However, the momentum stalled immediately. A narrow three-point loss at home against Xavier was particularly frustrating, culminating in Coach Cooley’s sideline ejection after tossing a water bottle into the stands, striking a young fan. While Cooley served his subsequent suspension, the team lost big to Coppin State. Since returning to conference action, Georgetown has dropped four consecutive games, though each defeat has been close, decided by 12 points or less.
Their most recent outing was a heartbreaker against Creighton. The Hoyas nearly snatched victory in regulation, but a potential game-winning putback by Langston Love was overturned after a lengthy review, leading to an 86-83 overtime loss in Omaha. "It didn’t go our way this time so we’ll have to suck it up, move on and prepare for UConn," Cooley told reporters post-game, acknowledging the immediate pivot required.
Huskies Tested But Unbeaten in Conference
Conversely, the Huskies are navigating the conference schedule with the confidence of a defending champion. UConn boasts a perfect 7-0 start in Big East action, matching their best conference opening since the 1998-99 national title run. While their record is pristine, the road hasn't been entirely smooth.
UConn was forced to dig deep in recent road tests, overcoming a 13-point deficit to defeat Providence in overtime. They also had to withstand a spirited comeback attempt from Seton Hall earlier this week, ultimately securing the win without letting the momentum completely slip away. These gritty performances suggest resilience, but Head Coach Dan Hurley is likely looking for cleaner execution, particularly concerning ball security.
The integration of key players like point guard Silas Demary Jr. and star freshman Braylon Mullins continues to progress. As they settle into their roles, the Huskies aim to minimize turnover issues—a critical focus point ahead of facing a Georgetown defense that, while spirited, does not consistently generate high turnover numbers.
Key Matchup Dynamics and Player Focus
History heavily favors the Huskies, who have won the last 10 meetings against Georgetown. However, college basketball thrives on upsets, and the Hoyas possess enough talent to make any opponent work for 40 minutes.
Georgetown relies heavily on a balanced scoring attack, featuring five players averaging double figures. Leading the charge is Arizona transfer guard KJ Lewis. Lewis has been explosive, averaging 15 points per game, complemented by 5.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and an impressive 2.9 steals per contest. His ability to create chaos on defense and score efficiently will be crucial if the Hoyas hope to disrupt UConn’s rhythm.
For UConn, the focus remains on imposing their will, especially in the second half. They need to demonstrate that killer instinct to put struggling teams away decisively, rather than allowing opponents back into the game late in regulation or overtime, as seen in recent close calls.
The atmosphere in the Capital One Arena will undoubtedly be energized by a home crowd desperate for a signature win. For the No. 3 Huskies, this is a clear opportunity to reinforce their national standing and ensure that Georgetown’s search for a breakthrough win continues into the next week. Fans can tune in to see if the Huskies cruise or if the Hoyas manage to shock the Big East landscape.
