Tulsa vs. Connecticut: Game Preview, Prediction

The Connecticut Huskies began the 2014-15 college basketball season with expectations that they would compete for the AAC regular season title and cruise into a 2015 NCAA tournament berth. However, they disappointingly fell short in several big non-conference games and currently would need a miracle to make it to the Big Dance.

The first step on their path to jumping into the bubble discussion would be to win their next game, which is against the No. 1 team in the AAC at the moment, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Connecticut will face Tulsa on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Tulsa, who are coached by former Missouri Tigers head coach Frank Haith, have rolled over opponents in conference play and are coming off of their first AAC loss of the season to the SMU Mustangs. With no solid non-conference wins, Tulsa will need to finish the season with at least 22 or so wins to be a solid lock for the NCAA tournament.

Last time these two teams met up, the Golden Hurricane won 66-58 behind 21 points by James Woodard. However, the big difference was Tulsa’s ability to get to and finish at the free throw line.

Although UConn will likely be favored at home, a win for the Huskies can be considered an upset because of how far ahead Tulsa is in the AAC standings. A much-needed game when it comes to their rapidly diminishing 2015 NCAA hopes, expect Connecticut to get the job done at home and take a step towards postseason play.

Taylor Sturm is a Featured Basketball Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.