HARTFORD, Conn. (Interstat) — A high-stakes Big East rematch with conference title implications is set for Wednesday when Connecticut hosts Saint John’s at the XL Center. The Huskies (25-3, 15-2 Big East), atop the league standings, seek to avenge one of their few losses this season and solidify their hold on first place. The visiting Red Storm (22-5, 14-3), just one game back, aim for a season sweep that would throw the conference race into a tie with two weeks remaining. Saint John’s won the first meeting 81-72 on Feb. 6 behind a balanced attack. The Red Storm have won seven straight games since, including an 81-52 rout of Creighton last Saturday. Forward Bryce Hopkins, a key player to watch, is averaging 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds during the win streak and posted a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double in the last outing. Connecticut has won 10 of its last 11, with the lone loss in that span coming at Saint John’s. The Huskies are coming off a 73-63 road win at Villanova. Center Tarris Reed, a defensive force, anchors the Huskies’ frontcourt. He had 12 points and three blocks in the first matchup against the Red Storm and is averaging 2.1 blocks per game in conference play. The Huskies hold a dominant home-court advantage, having lost only once at the XL Center this season. Saint John’s, however, brings one of the nation’s most efficient offenses and proven road resilience, with a 9-3 record away from home. Wednesday’s winner gains a critical tiebreaker and major momentum heading into the final stretch before the postseason. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST, with television coverage on FS1.