Monday's Pregame Beat: UConn and Pitt kick off Big East play with a bang

8:30 pm: No. 4 UConn @ No. 6 Pitt: Big East play officially kicks off this evening as UConn heads into the Peterson Athletics Center to take of Pitt.

There are many reasons to tune into this game tonight beyond the obvious -- that two of the top six teams in the country will be taking the court. The early favorite for national player of the year takes on arguably the best defensive team in the country. The winner, in all likelihood, will be dubbed the early favorite in the Big East. Jamie Dixon's slicked-back hairdo and calm demeanor going up against the always-angry scowl of Jim Calhoun.

Ever since Dixon has taken the reins of the Panther program, any matchup between these two clubs has been must-see TV. If that is not reason enough, than you aren't a college basketball fan.

For me, the best thing about this game tonight is that we have finally reached the part of the season that truly matters. Yes, I know, non-conference play can determine whether you get a one or a two seed, an eight or a nine seed, or get into the NCAA Tournament or the NIT.

But conference play is when the rivalry games happen. Its when the fans come out. Its when BIAH's favorite combo of Jay Bilas and Bill Raftery call games. Its when people are forced to start paying attention to our sport, because a game of this magnitude will matter come March.

UConn may be overrated right now. I think even the most die-hard Husky fan in the world (Not quite me, but I'm pretty close) can admit that. But with the improved play of Shabazz Napier, Jeremy Lamb, and Roscoe Smith, there is reason to believe this team can compete for a Big East title. Let's say, for arguments sake, that both teams end up at 14-4 this season in the Big East. These two teams don't play again this season. This game would be the tiebreaker.

So, yeah, this game carries a lot of weight.

You might think that the key to this game is Pitt's ability to slow down Kemba Walker. That is important, but the difference is going to be made on the glass. Pitt's the best offensive rebounding team in the country, and 12th best in the country on the defensive glass. UConn ranks third in offensive rebounding, but they are 177th in the country on the defensive glass despite playing a schedule that isn't exactly loaded with powerful front courts. If the Husky front court can hang with Pitt's big boys inside, UConn has a shot at this.

If not, it could get ugly.

Other Notable Games:

• 8:30 pm: UT-Martin @ No. 2 Ohio State
• 8:00 pm: Northern Illinois @ No. 10 Missouri
• 8:00 pm: Morgan State @ No. 20 Louisville
• 6:30 pm: Penn State @ Indiana
• 7:00 pm: Delaware @ Clemson