UConn men’s basketball team (13-1, 3-0) is set to return to action in 2026 as they host Marquette (5-9, 0-3) on Sunday afternoon at Gampel Pavilion. The game is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on Peacock and NBC Sports Network for YouTubeTV subscribers. Fans can also tune in via the UConn Sports Network or Sirius XM 201.

Marquette currently ranks No. 117 in KenPom, with the No. 141 offense in the country, and 176th in the NET. These numbers are not a mistake. The Golden Eagles have yet to defeat a high-major team this season and have struggled significantly under Shaka Smart’s leadership in his fifth year in Milwaukee. Their best win, according to KenPom, is a three-point victory over No. 197 Valparaiso.

On the other hand, UConn is ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll, No. 5 in KenPom, and No. 8 in the NET. They have shown strong performance recently, including a 90-67 win over Xavier, where they shot 13 threes and had standout performances from Braylon Mullins, Solo Ball, and Alex Karaban. The Huskies have won nine straight games over the past six weeks and are looking to start 4-0 in Big East play for the second consecutive season.

The matchup is classified as a Quad 4 game for UConn, which is a significant drop from previous seasons when Marquette was consistently ranked in their matchups.

Series History

The Huskies and Golden Eagles have met 21 times, all within the Big East. UConn leads the series 13-8, with a 10-2 advantage since rejoining the conference in 2020. Their last meeting was on March 5, 2025, when UConn defeated Marquette 72-66 at Gampel Pavilion. Alex Karaban led five Huskies in double figures with 21 points.

Inactives

Jayden Ross is day-to-day after suffering a hamstring injury during UConn’s win over Xavier. His status for Sunday’s game remains uncertain.

What to Watch For

Before this season, Marquette was one of the most consistent programs in the Big East, regularly making the NCAA Tournament and finishing near the top of the league. Last season, they won 23 games overall and finished fourth in the conference with a 13-7 regular season record. However, this season has been a stark contrast, with the team sitting at 5-9 and yet to beat a power conference opponent.

The locker room has faced challenges, especially after Zaide Lowery, who was a starter, left the team over Christmas break. Questions about leadership have emerged, and the team has struggled to find its footing. With key players like Kam Jones, Stevie Mitchell, and David Joplin no longer on the roster, Marquette has not found adequate replacements to remain competitive. Part of the issue may be due to Smart’s philosophy of avoiding the transfer portal, but the result has been a team that is likely the worst in the Big East.

Pound the Paint

One of Marquette’s biggest weaknesses this season is their defensive ability in the post. The Golden Eagles average the second fewest blocks per game in the Big East, which has allowed opposing big men to dominate. Players like Stephon Payne, Juliuis Halaifonua, and Oscar Cluff have had huge games against Marquette. Tarris Reed Jr. could capitalize on this weakness, potentially having a 20+ point game.

Get Out and Run

Marquette is last in the conference in both field goal percentage and three-point percentage, which is evident in their gameplay. The team lacks offensive flow and chemistry, often ending possessions with poor shot attempts. UConn should be able to exploit this by running out in transition. Players like Silas Demary Jr. and Malachi Smith could lead fast breaks for quality looks.

Another Lefty Showdown?

During their last meeting in Milwaukee, lefty guards from both teams made a significant impact. Solo Ball scored a career-high 25 points and hit seven threes, while Chase Ross added 19 points and three threes. Both players continue to be key figures for their teams. Ball has averaged 17 PPG in December and has improved his three-point shooting, while Ross has had a fluctuating performance but recently scored 15 points against Seton Hall.

Fabulous Freshmen

One bright spot for Marquette this season has been the performance of freshman Nigel James Jr., who averages over 17 points per game in Big East play. He has also shown improvement in three-point shooting. On the UConn side, Braylon Mullins has been impressive, scoring 17 points and hitting five threes in a recent game. Both freshmen have the potential to make a significant impact in this matchup and throughout the season.