HARTFORD, Conn. (Interstat) — The top-ranked Connecticut Huskies, boasting the nation’s premier record, host the struggling Providence Friars in a Big East Conference rematch Tuesday night at XL Center. UConn (19-1, 8-1 Big East) has steamrolled through its schedule, its lone loss coming in non-conference play. The Huskies enter on a nine-game winning streak, which includes a 103-98 overtime victory at Providence on Jan. 7. In that first meeting, UConn needed the extra period to subdue the Friars after Providence erased a late deficit. The Huskies are coming off a gritty 75-67 overtime win against Villanova on Saturday. Guard Solo Ball, a player to watch, scored 24 points in that contest and has been a consistent offensive force. He averaged 16.4 points over his last seven games, including a 10-point effort in the first matchup with Providence. Providence (9-11, 3-6) arrives in Hartford reeling from last-second heartbreak, having lost 81-78 to Georgetown on Saturday. It was the Friars’ fifth loss in their last six games, though four have been by single digits, including the overtime thriller with UConn and a 105-104 OT loss at Marquette. The Friars will lean on forward Oswin Erhunmwunse, who is coming off a strong performance against Georgetown with 9 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks. He had 8 points and 2 blocks against UConn earlier this month. Providence has shown offensive firepower, scoring over 90 points in three of its last five games, but its defense faces a monumental challenge. UConn’s balanced attack, featuring Ball, Alex Karaban and interior presence Tarris Reed, will test a Providence team that has found ways to stay competitive but has repeatedly fallen short in closing moments. The Huskies have won 10 straight at home. The game tips off at 8:30 p.m. EST and will be televised on FS1. Following this contest, UConn travels to face Creighton on Saturday, while Providence visits Villanova on Friday.