Tonight, when the UCONN Huskies are in Milwaukee to play the Marquette Golden Eagles, we are going to see two very tough and determined teams, playing another huge Big East game. Additionally, from start to finish, it should also be a good and entertaining one. We’re also going to see two distinctly different teams and that is why this game is so very tough to handicap. The odds-makers must feel the same way because they have made the line on this Big East battle a pick um. Now, I said earlier this week that I thought the Huskies would lose this game and yet, when I looked at the size mismatch they have up front with Thabeet, Adrien and Robinson, (All are taller than Marquette’s biggest player) I must say I started to have some doubts. That said and because the game is a pick um, I’m going to stick with the home team and because UCONN really looked bad against South Florida and when many thought they’d bounce back and kick some butt. Without a doubt, the key in this game is the play of the Golden Eagles three veteran (all seniors) guards. I feel quite sure they will get the penetration they want against the UCONN guards and so, with a little help from the home court fans, as well as refs, maybe they can also get some early foul calls against Thabeet. Moreover and even if that doesn’t happen, these guys can score from the outside and in bunches.  McNeal and Mathews should have big games but, the key is going to be what they get in the way of points from James and Hayward. Hayward had a huge game against Georgetown (17 points and 11 rebounds) and he believe me when I say he plays much bigger inside than his 6′6″ size would suggest. For UCONN, they will get plenty from Thabeet and Adrien yet, if Price doesn’t have a big night, I’m afraid they will go down for the 3rd time this season. Too bad because, with Pitt losing to Providence last night, the Huskies would  have been ranked #1 again and for the second time this season. Take Marquette and hope Al McGuire’s ghost shows up, as well as the Golden Eagles rowdy home fans to help you.

I’m out of here!  Sic Rick