The UConn Huskies and the Syracuse Orange battle it out on Saturday Night in Big East college hoops action.

The Connecticut Huskies looked very much like the defending National Champions for the early part of the season but they have lost seven of their last 10 games and will need to scramble for a chance to get back into the tournament to defend their title. UConn is 7-8 in the Big East, 12-3 at home, tied for ninth place in the conference standings, and 2-5 against teams ranked in the top 25. Jeremy Lamb is averaging 17.9 points and 4.7 rebounds, Shabazz Napier is averaging 12.7 points and 5.8 assists, and Ryan Boatright is averaging 10.2 points. As a team the Huskies are averaging 68.6 points and they are shooting 45.4 percent while defensively they are allowing 63.6 points and their opponents are shooting 38.3 percent. UConn has shown the ability to knock off the big teams but they haven’t been able to do so of late.

The Syracuse Orange are one of the top teams in the country and almost a lock for a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament as Jim Boeheim’s team has responded to their only loss of the season by winning their last eight games in a row. Syracuse is 15-1 in the Big East, 8-1 on the road this season, and have cemented at least a tie for first place in the conference for the season. Kris Joseph is averaging 14 points and 5.0 rebounds, Dion Waiters is averaging 11.9 points, and C.J. Fair is averaging 9.3 points and 5.5 rebounds. As a team Syracuse is averaging 76.1 points, 16.2 assists and they are shooting 47.2 percent while defensively they are allowing 60.3 points and their opponents are shooting 38.5 percent. It would take a major stumble for the Orange not to be sitting in prime position for at least the start of the NCAA Tournament.

Connecticut is 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 home games against a team with a winning road record, 1-4 against the spread following a win, and 1-6 against the spread in their last seven games against a team with a winning record. Syracuse is 8-3 against the spread in their last 11 road games, 1-4 against the spread following a win, and 10-4 against the spread following a game which they didn’t cover. The road team has covered in four of the last five meetings of these two.

The total is set at 130 and despite the offensive talent on the floor they stay under the number. My stronger play is on who will cover the spread and I will post that in the Premium Area.