UCONN at TULSA

When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Where: Reynolds Center, Tulsa, Okla. Records: UConn 10-7 (1-3 AAC), Tulsa 11-6 (1-3 AAC)

TV: ESPNews

Radio: UConn/IMG Sports Network, WAVZ-New Haven (1300 AM), WICCBrideport (600 AM), WINE-Danbury (940 AM), WGCH- Greenwich (1490 AM), 97.9 FM-ESPN Hartford

KEEP AN EYE ON

MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Sophomore Josh Carlton has averaged 9 points and 8 rebounds the past two games against SMU and Cincinnati and has arguably been the best big man on the floor in each game. He’s displayed his typical skills around the basket, but seems to have stepped up his energy level and aggressiveness, as well.

“This is kinda Josh’s freshman year,” said Dan Hurley. “I know he got consistent minutes last year, but this is the first time in his college career he’s been asked to have (a bigger role). Baptism by fire. He’s taken some lumps and had some hard lessons, but I think he understands his the motor and intensity level he has to come out with.”

“Can he take another step where we actually have someone to throw the ball in to now?”

MATCHUP MEN: For the second game in a row, UConn will have to contend with a tough, matchup zone defense. Tulsa’s zone employs a few different wrinkles than Cincinnati’s, Hurley pointed out.

HAITH ON THE HUSKIES: Tulsa coach Frank Haith had this to say about UConn: “They compete at a high, high level. If you’re not ready to play, you’ll get embarrassed. Their guards can score, all three of them — (Christian) Vital, Jalen (Adams) and Alterique (Gilbert). They put so much pressure on you. (Eric) Cobb and Carlton have made great improvements over the last year. They’re now scoring more around the basket and being more active. They compete, they really get after it. I think Danny’s got those guys playing extremely hard. I was really impressed watching them at Cincinnati, and how well they competed against those guys.”