Sat Feb 08 01:00:00 UTC 2025: **UConn Huskies to Host Top-Ranked St. John’s in High-Stakes BIG EAST Showdown**

STORRS, CT – The No. 19 UConn Huskies (16-6, 8-3 BIG EAST) are set for a crucial home matchup against the No. 12 St. John’s Red Storm (20-3, 11-1 BIG EAST) this Friday at Gampel Pavilion. The highly anticipated game, airing on FOX at 8 p.m. with Gus Johnson and Jim Jackson on commentary, marks the first ranked matchup between the two teams since 2000 and the first at Gampel Pavilion since 1992.

The game will also feature a halftime ceremony inducting UConn legend Ben Gordon into the Huskies of Honor, as well as a celebration of the Black Fives in conjunction with the BIG EAST. Fans can also enjoy a $2 Miller Lite night (while supplies last).

UConn, riding a three-game winning streak against ranked opponents, including a recent victory over top-10 Marquette, boasts a potent offense led by Solo Ball (15.0 ppg) and Alex Karaban (15.0 ppg). Karaban recently received recognition with a spot on the Midseason Wooden Award Watch List and the Karl Malone Award Top 10 List. Hassan Diarra’s impressive 6.4 assists per game further fuels the Huskies’ top-10 national offense. The team is also expecting the return of freshman star Liam McNeeley (13.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.6 apg), who has been sidelined for the past eight games.

St. John’s, enjoying their best start in over two decades, presents a formidable challenge with a strong offense led by RJ Luis Jr. (17.4 ppg), Zuby Ejiofor (14.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg), and Kadary Richmond (12.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.9 apg). Their top-four nationally ranked defense (per Kenpom) will put UConn’s offense to the test.

The rivalry between UConn and St. John’s, dating back to 1951, is finely balanced, with St. John’s holding a narrow 37-34 all-time lead. However, UConn has dominated recent matchups, winning six of the last eight meetings since rejoining the BIG EAST. This Friday’s game promises to be a thrilling contest with significant implications for the BIG EAST standings. Following the St. John’s game, UConn will travel to Omaha to face Creighton on February 11th.

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