For the first time in Big East play this season, UConn ran into real trouble. Against the Marquette Golden Eagles, the Huskies not only recorded their smallest margin of victory in conference action but also posted their lowest point total of the season. Their next game might bring more of the same.

The stage is set for a showdown between No. 1 and No. 2 in the Big East. Villanova vs. UConn is here, and this one has all the makings of a thriller. The Huskies are chasing their 12th straight Big East title and their 25th overall as members of the conference. But standing in their way is a resilient Wildcats side, who are on a five-game win streak.

Villanova vs UConn: Where to watch

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Venue: The William B. Finneran Pavilion, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Watch on: Peacock
Streaming: Fubo

Villanova vs UConn: Injury report

UConn Huskies 

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• Morgan Cheli – OUT
• Ice Brady – OUT

Villanova Wildcats

• No player is out injured

Probable Starting Lineups

UConn Huskies 

• Sarah Strong
• Serah Williams
• Ashlynn Shade
• KK Arnold
• Azzi Fudd

Villanova Wildcats

• Brynn McCurry
• Denae Carter
• Kennedy Henry
• Jasmine Bascoe
• Kelsey Joens

Prediction: Can Villanova pull off an upset?

We’d be lying if we said UConn isn’t entering this matchup as the favorite. The Huskies have dominated the Big East this season, beating conference opponents by an average of 43.9 points per game, and there’s little reason to think that level of dominance won’t continue against a Villanova team that already has three conference losses.

To add to that, Geno Auriemma’s side will also welcome back freshman Blanca Quiñonez, who has missed the last six games with a shoulder injury. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say all signs point toward another UConn win.

The numbers heavily favor UConn as well. The Huskies average 89.3 points per game while holding opponents to just 50.5. Villanova, on the other hand, score 73 per night and allow 61 per contest. These are respectable numbers, but not exactly dominant.

Naturally, ESPN gives UConn a 97.9% chance of winning, and it’s easy to see why. The Huskies are on a 43-game overall win streak and haven’t lost a Big East game in 63 tries. At the moment, they look nearly untouchable, making them the obvious favorite heading in.

But if there’s one team capable of ending this remarkable run, it’s Villanova. Why do we say this? Because four years ago, it was the Wildcats who, on Feb. 9, 2022, ended UConn’s staggering 169-game conference run with a 72–69 upset in Hartford. Given that history, a similar shock result can’t be completely ruled out.

So, who do you think will come away with the win? Will UConn secure its 12th straight Big East title this Wednesday, or will Villanova delay the inevitable? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!