College Basketball: Too early for UConn's showdown with Pitt?

No. 4 Connecticut and No. 6 Pittsburgh will meet Monday night in the Big East's first heavyweight matchup this season, one that occurs even before the schools' football teams play their bowl games. The 8:30 p.m. tip-off creates a prime-time matchup of teams that began the season with contrasting expectations.

Pitt was picked to win the Big East in the preseason coaches' poll, while Connecticut was chosen 10th - a prediction that reflected the Huskies' 7-11 league record last season.

UConn coach Jim Calhoun was testy was asked about seeing Pitt pop up on the schedule as the conference opener, rather than in the usual late-January to mid-February window.

Because Big East teams play an 18-game conference schedule, the traditional start to league play has been pushed up a week.

"I don't think Connecticut should be playing Pitt on Dec. 27," Calhoun said at the Big East preseason media day. "The preseason for us, as it is for [Pitt coach] Jamie Dixon is very important. We have six freshmen. We should have a preseason."

Pitt has won the last three and four of five against UConn. The teams don't meet again during the regular season.

Richmond 69, Seton Hall 61 - Justin Harper sank 6 of 8 shots from three-point range en route to 24 points, leading the Spiders (10-3) to victory in Newark, N.J.

Jeff Robinson led Seton Hall (6-6) with 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.