UConn aims to improve seed, get revenge vs. Seton Hall

UConn knows it at least clinched a bye in next week's Big East tournament. Now it is a matter of seeding.

Either way, the Huskies may be starting to peak again, and the two-time defending champions attempt to end the regular season with a fourth straight win when they host Seton Hall Saturday afternoon in Storrs, Conn.

UConn (21-9, 13-6 Big East) can finish second, third or fourth depending on what unfolds against a team it took a surprising overtime loss to three weeks ago.

The Huskies will clinch at least the third seed by beating Seton Hall. If Creighton loses to Butler Saturday and there is a three-way tie with Marquette, UConn will get the No. 2 seed.

A loss coupled with Marquette beating St. John's would push the Huskies to No. 4 and potentially sets up a semifinal matchup against the Red Storm, the regular-season champions.

"We have this belief that when you play or coach at UConn, in the month of March and you get things rolling, you're convinced you're supposed to win," coach Dan Hurley said. "We have a mental edge on a lot of people in the month of March."

The Huskies split 12 games between Jan. 8-Feb 23, losing twice to St. John's in that span and blowing a seven-point lead in the final minute of regulation at Seton Hall. Since its run of mediocre performances, UConn has beaten Georgetown, Providence and Marquette.

Its last two games have also seen better defensive showings. The Huskies followed up allowing 40 percent shooting in a 75-63 win at Providence by allowing 43.9 percent, including 3-of-22 from 3-point range, in a 72-66 win over Marquette on Wednesday that was delayed because of a leak in the roof.

Alex Karaban tied a season high with 21 points and is shooting 22-of-48 over his past four games. He also is 9-of-21 from 3-point range after going 6-of-47 from deep in his prior nine games.

Seton Hall (7-23, 2-17) is ending its worst regular season since 1982-83 and has dropped five straight since surprising the Huskies. The Pirates lost three straight by 10 points or fewer but shot 35.8 percent in its 79-61 loss to Creighton on Tuesday, the 16th time they shot less than 40 percent.

"I thought we were peaking and I thought we played some really good games. Even though we lost, I thought we gave ourselves a chance to win," Seton Hall coach Shaheen Holloway said. "... Creighton came in and just jumped on us from the door."

Isaiah Coleman scored 18 points and has scored double figures in his past seven games, including 23 in the first meeting with the Huskies.

--Field Level Media