The Friars are looking to start 2026 with a bang. After taking down the St. John’s Red Storm at Madison Square Garden, Providence is looking to carry that momentum into a match-up with Danny Hurley and the #4 ranked Connecticut Huskies. Connecticut is looking like they are a title contender and are the clear favorites for the Big East crown.
If Providence wants to insert itself back into NCAA bubble talks, this is a game they have to have. Upset the Huskies, and you can now start talking about the Friars as a legitimate tourney team.
We preview the game and what the Friars need to do to start the calendar year 2-0.
Keys to Game
Slow Down Reed
Despite the win against St. John’s, it continued an unfortunate trend this year of frontcourt players having career nights against us.
Tarris Reed is primed to have a big game Wednesday and slowing him down should be one of the top priorities for the Friars.
In two games against Providence last year, Reed had 34 points, 23 rebounds, and 9 blocks. With what we’ve seen thus far this season, Providence has been unable to slow down adequate frontcourt players, and I expect Reed to have a big night.
Oswin, in particular, needs to have his best game of the season if the Friars are to pull off the upset. Oswin still is far too prone to getting into foul trouble, and the Friars really don’t have an answer at the back-up 5 spot. Providence needs Oswin to play 30+ minutes in this one or the combo of Reed & Reibe (future law firm?) will have their way with the Friars.
Limit Second Chance Opportunities
Unlike St. John’s, Connecticut will absolutely make you pay from deep if you allow the Huskies to get second chance opportunities. We’ve already highlighted the prowess of Reed, but second chance opportunities often lead to a scramble drill on defense. This usually leads to an open look from deep, and Connecticut is currently as a team shooting 34% as a team from deep.
In a game where Providence needs to maximize their offensive possessions and minimize UConn’s, second and third chance opportunities for the Huskies will cripple the Friars.
Providence needs to show an intensity and edge on the glass because Connecticut is going to throw bodies at the rim endlessly. It’ll be a gut check game for the Friars.
Vaaks in Rhythm Early
It’s not a surprise that the outcome of the game entirely shifted once Vaaks got going against St. John’s. Providence and English need to find a way to get him involved early because when he is “on”, the dynamics of this Friar offense change entirely. The floor is more wide open, and there is more space for his teammates to operate.
If Vaaks sees a bucket go through early, he can be the X factor for the Friars. He’s that special of a talent, in my opinion.
Engage the Crowd
This team gave the fanbase some hope with the win Saturday, and I want to see English lean into the home court advantage. The Friar fanbase, however rabid they may be, are an astute basketball bunch and know what this game means for the Friars. If Providence can keep this game competitive like they did with St. John’s, the fanbase can will this team to a victory.
Also, I heard that Danny Hurley has a short fuse. Not a bad idea to lean into that and let him hear it!
Predictions
Crier: It’s crazy to think a victory on Wednesday would put Providence at least around the bubble conversation. That seemed like a pipe dream just a few days ago. However if you consider Providence jumped 16 spots in NET after the win at St. John’s , a win vs UConn would do something similar and put them in the mix. Unfortunately St. John’s looked susceptible to an upset going in, UConn on the other hand does not. They’ve won 10 straight and in their four Big East games they’ve won by an average of 18.5 points. PC gives the Huskies a game but ultimately come up short UConn 82 PC 72
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