This feels a bit like pulling wings off of a fly to back UConn, but we need some convincing that any Big East foe is worth a recommendation against the Huskies. Maybe it's Rick Pitino's St John's, which has been aiming at this date since the season began, and has won eight straight into tonight. But there simply might be a gap between UConn and the rest in this loop, with balance (five DD scorers) and several go-to threats led by G Solo Ball and vet F Alex Karaban. Pitino's team lost too many challenges vs. ranked foes in pre-league action to trust for an effective outright win, even at MSG. Play UConn

I think we've got a bit of value in what should be an absolute classic of a Big East matchup on Friday in the World's Most Famous Arena, as UConn might technically be the road team but will feel right at home in "Storrs South." I've got the Huskies rated as the better team on a neutral court, but Madison Square Garden might not even be neutral given Dan Hurley's recent success. UConn is already 2-0 in MSG this season with wins over Illinois and Florida and Hurley is currently boasting an 11-2 record over his last 13 games in the arena.