Uconn Huskies vs Georgetown Hoyas Picks and Predictions February 26th 2025

UConn Seeks to Regain Form in Crucial Clash with Georgetown

As the losses accumulate for two-time defending national champion UConn, the Huskies’ flaws have become increasingly apparent. Inefficiency on the perimeter and a troubling turnover disparity have derailed what was once a promising season.

UConn’s perimeter defense has been a glaring issue, allowing opponents to shoot 35.9 percent from beyond the arc—slightly worse than their own 35 percent accuracy from three-point range. In Big East play, turnovers have further compounded their struggles, with the Huskies giving the ball away 195 times while forcing only 154 takeaways.

These shortcomings have left UConn (18-9, 10-6 Big East) searching for answers as the postseason approaches. The next opportunity to correct course comes on Wednesday when they host Georgetown (16-11, 7-9) in Hartford. However, the Hoyas arrive with challenges of their own, most notably the season-ending foot injury to standout freshman Thomas Sorber, announced on Tuesday.

With both teams navigating adversity, this matchup presents a pivotal moment for the Huskies to reestablish their identity before the Big East Tournament.

Turnovers and Perimeter Struggles Haunt UConn

No team has exploited UConn’s vulnerabilities this season quite like Big East leader St. John’s. The Red Storm dominated the Huskies in an 89-75 victory on Sunday, completing their first season sweep over UConn in 25 years.

St. John’s defensive pressure was relentless, forcing 40 turnovers across the two meetings while committing just 19. Their perimeter defense further suffocated UConn’s attack, holding the Huskies to 14-of-52 shooting from three-point range (26.9 percent).

Head coach Dan Hurley acknowledged the matchup issues that have plagued his team, particularly against opponents who apply consistent defensive pressure.

“Unlike our past teams, where there were literally no bad matchups for us, there are some teams that just are not great for you,” Hurley said. “We have the obvious issue with people that can handle and create and break down pressure.”

The return of leading scorer Liam McNeeley (15.3 points per game) was expected to provide a much-needed offensive boost. However, since coming back from an ankle injury that sidelined him for eight games, McNeeley has yet to regain his rhythm, shooting just 27.3 percent from deep in five games.

Adding to UConn’s woes, Alex Karaban (14.2 points per game) has endured a prolonged shooting slump, connecting on just 9-of-53 three-point attempts (17 percent) over the Huskies’ last 10 games. With perimeter shooting faltering, UConn must find alternative ways to generate consistent offense and limit costly turnovers.

Georgetown Faces Tough Task Without Sorber

While UConn searches for stability, Georgetown arrives in Hartford dealing with its own challenges. The Hoyas have dropped nine of their last 13 contests, including an 80-69 loss at Creighton on Sunday despite a strong 22-point performance from Jayden Epps.

The loss of Thomas Sorber, a projected 2025 NBA Draft lottery pick, leaves Georgetown significantly weakened in the frontcourt. Sorber was averaging 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, providing the Hoyas with an interior presence that will be difficult to replace.

However, Georgetown still possesses offensive firepower, led by Micah Peavy, who has been dominant over the past five games. Peavy has averaged 24.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 3.6 steals in that span, emerging as a dynamic playmaker on both ends of the floor.

The Hoyas will need Peavy to maintain his high level of production while others step up to compensate for Sorber’s absence. With a depleted frontcourt, Georgetown may lean more heavily on its perimeter attack, hoping to exploit UConn’s defensive inconsistencies.

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A Crucial Matchup Before the Postseason

UConn has historically controlled this rivalry in recent years, winning the last nine meetings, including a 68-60 victory in Washington on Jan. 11. That streak has given the Huskies a slight edge in the all-time series, now leading 39-36.

Despite their recent struggles, a win on Wednesday could provide UConn with much-needed confidence as they approach the Big East Tournament. Rebuilding defensive intensity, limiting turnovers, and rediscovering their perimeter efficiency will be the key areas of focus as the Huskies look to regain their footing.

For Georgetown, this game presents an opportunity to test their resilience without Sorber. A road victory against a battle-tested program like UConn would serve as a major statement for a team hoping to finish the season on a strong note.

As both teams take the court, expect an intense and competitive battle—one that could define UConn’s trajectory heading into the postseason.