Connecticut
Big East Tournament Final prediction: Marquette vs. UConn odds, picks
Somehow, someway, Marquette reached its second straight Big East Tournament Championship game without superstar point guard Tyler Kolek.
But the Golden Eagles will have to fight the mighty UConn Huskies without him, and I don’t think they have the horses to compete.
Marquette vs. UConn Prediction
(6:30 p.m. ET, FOX)
The final regular-season meeting between these two was played without Kolek.
And Marquette showed why it relies so heavily on its superstar point guard.
Shaka Smart’s ball-screen offense is as innovative and as explosive as college basketball offenses get. Between Kolek’s vision, Oso Ighodaro’s versatility, and Kam Jones’ spot-up ability, the Eagles can unpack even the best defenses.
But without him, Marquette’s offense faltered against UConn.
In that final regular-season meeting, the Eagles generated 21 points on 28 ball-screen sets, suitable for a pedestrian .75 PPP.
That’s highly uncharacteristic of Smart’s offense, further exemplified by Marquette’s eight-to-nine assist-to-turnover ratio.
But, to be fair, UConn’s ball-screen coverage defense is elite.
The Huskies lead the Big East in pick-and-roll PPP allowed by a mile (.68), and they showed that in the first meeting.
Even with Kolek, Marquette managed 22 points on 29 pick-and-roll sets against the Huskies, which is suitable for slightly better than pedestrian .76 PPP.
The Eagles can’t score against UConn either way.
On the other end of the court, Connecticut’s elaborate, variable pattern motion offense is too tough to stop for any defense.
While Marquette grades out alright regarding off-ball screen, handoff, and cutting PPP allowed, the Eagles are also an aggressive perimeter offense that will get beat by crisp passing and sharpshooting.
And that’s what Connecticut did in both meetings, shooting 24-for-56 (43%) from 3.
It hurts that the Huskies are an uber-steady ball-handling team, unsusceptible to Smart’s pressure.
Additionally, UConn is a dominant offensive rebounding squad, which plays nicely against Marquette.
The Eagles’ aggressive perimeter defense leaves the glass wide open, so the Huskies scored 40 second-chance points across the two regular-season meetings.
Donovan Clingan should eat on the boards this Saturday at Madison Square Garden.
Ultimately, I don’t see Marquette executing its ball-screen-heavy offense against an elite ball-screen coverage defense without its point guard.
Betting on College Basketball?
Meanwhile, the Huskies will find ways to score.
They couldn’t generate secondary actions against St. John’s, so they destroyed the Red Storm in ball-screen sets.
And if they can’t generate offense against Marquette, they’ll crash the boards and generate put-back buckets or second-chance kick-out 3s.
UConn has won three National Championships over the past 15 years, but the Huskies haven’t won a Big East Tournament title since 2011.
With Kolek sidelined, they seem poised to take advantage and earn that elusive title in a monster victory.
I expect another dominant, double-digit win for the Huskies in the Big East final. Wager accordingly.
Marquette vs. UConn Pick
UConn -8.5 | Play to -9.5
Connecticut
At least four injured after multi-vehicle accident involving bus in Bridgeport, per police
At least three people were taken to local hospitals after a multi-vehicle accident involving a public transit bus in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Tuesday, according to the Bridgeport Police Department.
The collision took place at around 7:40 p.m. on the 500 block of Water Street, where officials located a Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA) bus that struck at least six other vehicles and a wall of the Bridgeport train station.
Once at the scene, emergency medical officials transported several individuals to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Two people were taken to Bridgeport Hospital, and two others to St. Vincent’s Medical Center; the extent of their injuries was unknown, per authorities.
An MTA Facility Manager has responded to the scene to assess the structural damage, according to police.
Train service was not impacted on the Metro-North lines as a result of the nearby collision. However, traffic was impacted by the closure of the northbound lane of Water Street between State Street and John Street.
The Bridgeport Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team reported to the site of the crash to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Bridgeport Police Department Traffic Division, Sergeant Darryl Wilson, at 203-576-7640.
Connecticut
Owls, Storytimes, Lights, And Countdown Fun: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend
CONNECTICUT — The quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year’s is anything but dull in Connecticut. With schools on break and families looking for ways to get out of the house, towns across the state are rolling out kid-friendly programs, glowing light displays, museum activities, and creative ways to ring in the new year early — or right at midnight. From owls in Mystic to trolley rides in East Windsor and countdown celebrations from Torrington to Hartford, this weekend (Dec. 26–28, with New Year’s Eve events close behind) offers plenty of reasons to bundle up and explore.
In Mystic, nature lovers can spend Friday, Dec. 26, learning about one of the region’s most fascinating nocturnal creatures during Vacation Day: All About Owls at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Designed for kids on school break, the program introduces participants to local owl species through hands-on activities, live animal presentations, and outdoor exploration. It’s a great option for families looking to balance holiday downtime with educational fun.
Over in Greenwich, the Bruce Museum is hosting Once Upon a Museum: Winter Storytime from Friday through Sunday, Dec. 26–28. Held each morning, the program combines seasonal storytelling with museum exploration, offering young children a calm, creative start to the day. Parents can expect winter-themed books, light activities, and a welcoming introduction to museum spaces that keeps little listeners engaged without overwhelming them.
For families seeking something festive after dark, East Windsor is glowing thanks to Winterfest & the Winter Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. Running on select dates including Dec. 26–28, the event features illuminated displays, holiday décor, and nighttime trolley rides through a sparkling tunnel of lights. The experience blends transportation history with holiday spectacle, making it a unique winter outing for all ages.
Meanwhile, Meriden continues its long-running seasonal tradition with the Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park, which remains on display through Jan. 2. The expansive park is transformed by thousands of white lights wrapped around trees, lining walkways, and reflecting off the park’s lake. Visitors can drive through or park and stroll, making it one of the state’s most accessible and popular holiday light displays.
As the weekend gives way to New Year’s Eve, Connecticut towns are preparing celebrations that range from family-friendly to full-scale citywide events. In Hartford, First Night Hartford 2026 takes over downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This alcohol-free celebration features live music, dance, comedy, ice skating, fireworks, and activities spread across multiple indoor and outdoor venues. It’s one of the state’s largest New Year’s Eve events and a longtime tradition for families and night owls alike.
For those with younger children who won’t make it to midnight, Torrington offers KidsPlay Countdown on Dec. 31. Hosted by the KidsPlay Children’s Museum, the event allows kids to celebrate the new year with games, activities, and a countdown timed just for them. It’s festive without being overwhelming and lets families enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve without late-night fatigue.
Another early celebration takes place in East Lyme, where Countdown to Noon gives families a chance to ring in the new year before lunchtime. With music, activities, and a midday countdown, the event is tailored to younger children who want the thrill of a New Year’s celebration without staying up past bedtime.
Altogether, this post-holiday weekend highlights the best of Connecticut’s winter programming: educational nature programs, calm museum mornings, glowing light displays, and creative countdowns that meet families where they are. Whether you’re exploring owls in Mystic, riding a trolley through lights in East Windsor, listening to stories in Greenwich, or planning ahead for a New Year’s countdown in Hartford, Torrington, or East Lyme, there’s no shortage of ways to close out 2025 and step into 2026 with a sense of wonder.
Connecticut
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