Pittsburgh vs. Connecticut: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

As we inch closer to the Big East Tournament and the NCAA tournament, both Pittsburgh and Connecticut close the regular season with one last game. This is a huge game for both teams as they are both on the bubble and need a solid win to strengthen their resume.

Huskies head coach Jim Calhoun, who has missed the past eight games due to medical leave, was back at practice, although it's still not known if he will coach in this game. Both teams head into this game desperately looking for a victory, as Pittsburgh has lost five of its last six and Connecticut has lost five of its last seven.

Here's everything and more you need to know about this huge matchup between two solid Big East programs.

Where: Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, CT

When: 12:00 PM ET, March 3, 2012

Watch: ESPN 

Live Stream: ESPN3

Betting Line: Connecticut -5.5 

Key Injuries (via USA Today)

Connecticut

Brendan Allen: Ankle (Questionable) 

Michael Bradley: Ankle (Out)

Pittsburgh

No injuries to report.

What's at Stake?

Pittsburgh needs all of the help they can get as they have a 16-4 record and are 5-12 in the Big East. It would take nearly a miracle to make the NCAA tournament, but a win against Connecticut would be good for bragging rights and give them some momentum heading into the Big East Tournament.   

For Connecticut, this is a very important game. The Huskies simply can't afford another loss and need something positive they can hang their hat on heading into the postseason.  

What They're Saying

"They are going to fight, just like us," sophomore Lamar Patterson said. "It's still two great programs. I know they are going to fight, and we are definitely going to come out strong."

Most Important Player to Watch: Ryan Boatright

I really think he has what it takes to be a star at the collegiate level. As his minutes increase and he gains more experience, his numbers are improving and he's becoming more and more comfortable on the floor. He's starting to score in the double digits with consistency, knocking down more threes and has grabbed at least five assists in six of the last eight games. 

If Boatright can continue playing well and knock down a few big shots early, it will only get the crowd going and make things difficult for the Panthers to overcome.

Key Matchup: UConn's bigs against Pittsburgh's bigs

Both of these teams are great at rebounding the ball and second-chance opportunities may be what this game comes down to. Pittsburgh has five players on their roster that average at least five rebounds a game and UConn only has one in freshman Andre Drummond.

But speaking of Drummond, he has really stepped his game up over the last couple of weeks and is playing more and more like the man-child he is. In the last three games he's grabbed double-digit rebounds and has blocked at least two shots in the last six games.

Whichever team ends up winning this game will likely win the rebound total and have more second-chance points.

Prediction

My pick in this game is going to be the Huskies. Both of these teams have struggled all season long, especially lately, but Connecticut has been a lot more competitive than the Panthers. This game means a lot more to the Huskies considering they're on the bubble for reaching the NCAA tournament and they're the home team. If the crowd is into the game and UConn comes out with the same intensity they did in the Syracuse game, the Huskies should have no problem in this game. 

This should be an emotional game for the Huskies, especially if Calhoun is back on the sidelines to coach his team. I'll take the more talented team at home.

UConn wins 75-63