Men can make bold statement with a win at No. 10 ’Nova

It's been over a year now since Dan Hurley made his bold statement about the future of the UConn basketball program.

The Huskies had just let a key non-conference game slip away at nationally-ranked Villanova on Jan. 18, 2020 when Hurley fired a warning shot about his program's future during the post-game press conference.

"People better get us now," Hurley said. "That's all. You better get us now, because it's coming."

Has that day arrived yet? Well, there's no doubt the program is on the rise as UConn heads into the perhaps the most important regular season game in Hurley's three seasons, visiting No. 10 Villanova (13-3, 8-2) today at Finneran Pavilion (1 p.m., Ch. 61).

"Villanova's been maybe the best program in college basketball over the last several years," Hurley said Friday night. "It's a big opportunity for our guys. But they're going to have to really rise to the level of this game because we're going to see the best version of Villanova coming off a tough road loss and they've had a week to practice and prepare."

More is at stake than just an important win.

The Huskies (10-5, 7-5) can make a statement about their program, their place in the Big East and to the NCAA tournament selection committee that will decide their postseason fate next month. They've struggled against elite competition in recent history, dropping nine straight to top 10 teams.

Villanova also has plenty to play for down the home stretch. The Wildcats are trying to hold on to first place and earn themselves a high seed in the NCAA tournament.

Today's game has the potential to

be a classic Big East battle.

"Fired up for this game," Villanova coach Jay Wright said on Friday. "We've had some great games with UConn the last couple of times. Our last game last year at the Wells Fargo (Center) could have gone either way. It came right down to the wire and I think they're a lot better team this year.

"They're playing great. And they play with great energy. Outstanding defensive team, very-well coached, everybody knows their roles. Good team. We're expecting a battle."

Villanova was definitely the better team in last year's meeting. The Wildcats made winning plays down the stretch to rally for a 61-55 victory. The Huskies led by four with five minutes remaining before fading.

Hurley left Philadelphia that day feeling good about his program.

"We were no longer non-competitive and really dysfunctional," Hurley said. "At that point of year two, we were starting to feel better about the way we were performing. Now I just think about how we've grown the last couple of years while going up to a much different type of league for us. I feel good about where we're at.

"Obviously, a tough game tomorrow. I feel great about where the program is at."

Tough enough playing the Big East leader, but it certainly doesn't help that Villanova is coming off a lopsided loss to Creighton and had a week to prepare for UConn.

According to Wright, the Wildcats worked on tightening up their defense after allowing a season-high 86 points against Creighton. They're already a lethal, perimeter-powered offensive team, as all five starters average in double figures. They can be deadly from 3-point range, averaging a conference leading 10.2 per game.

"They hurt us from three last year," Hurley said. "If you don't guard the 3-point line, you've got no chance to beat them. So, obviously, guarding the line is critical."

UConn is better equipped to pull off an upset than the team that played in the last meeting.

The Huskies have improved their overall talent level and depth. James Bouknight, who returned to action against Providence after a long layoff due to an elbow injury, has grown into a star.

He scored just five points against the Wildcats last season.

But while the program has made strides in every department, it hasn't arrived just yet, according to Hurley.

"I wasn't talking about any specific day when it was coming," said Hurley about his post-game quote last year. "Once our recruiting and our player development and our culture is in place, UConn will be back to its rightful place in college basketball.

"That day is coming. We're not here today. It's coming."

• Senior Tyler Polley, who nicked up his knee against Providence, will be a game-time decision while redshirt sophomore Akok Akok, who played just one minute on Tuesday due to physical limitations, will be available.