Big East rivals UConn and Providence underwent makeovers during the off-season, dipping deep into the transfer portal to restock depleted rosters.

Both programs struck paydirt.

Tristen Newton, Nahiem Alleyne, Joey Calcaterra and Hassan Diarra have all contributed to UConn’s success.

Providence plugged in Bryce Hopkins, Devin Carter and Noah Locke into the starting lineup and took off. The Friars are in contention for the Big East regular season title, locked in a three-way tie for second place entering Tuesday night.

Regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s game at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs (6:30 p.m., FS1), No. 18 UConn (20-7, 9-7) and No. 18 Providence (20-7, 12-4) are on track to qualify for the NCAA tournament, thanks in part to new additions quickly acclimating to their respective teams.

“To be in the position we’ve been in, to have played ranked for as long as we have and have the resume we’ve had with guys that had to hit the ground running at a place with very, very high standards, it’s an unique experience to play here in particularly for Tristen,” coach Dan Hurley said.

“But (Tristen and Nahiem) have played well enough for us to be in the position that we’re in. We need them to use everything that they’ve learned down the stretch here. We win when Nahiem and Tristen play well.”

Providence won the first meeting, 73-61, on Jan. 4.

A Kentucky transfer, Hopkins, a talented 6-foot-7 forward, put on a dominating performance, finishing with 27 points. Carter, a tough defender and scoring threat, chipped in 11 points. He previously played at South Carolina. Locke, a graduate transfer from Louisville, had 17.

“Ed (Cooley) hit big with those two guys, Hopkins and Carter,” said Hurley, referring to the PC coach. “Those two guys have come in and played like (Big East) player of the year and a first or second teamer and then they’re supplemented by five-year players at center and at the two-guard spot. Those two guys are tremendous. … And I think they’re both NBA players.”

While Hopkins and Carter, two of eight newcomers for the Friars, are only sophomores, UConn’s transfers are veterans.

UConn will honor three of its transfers – seniors Newton and Alleyne, and Calcaterra, a graduate guard – as well as redshirt junior Richie Springs during pre-game Senior Night festivities on Wednesday.

Of that group, Newton has made the biggest impact, averaging 10 points, 4.3 assists and 4.0 rebounds as the starting point guard. He’s also battled through some cold stretches.

“It’s been an up and down with my performances,” Newton said. “I’m really just excited about winning. This is the most I’ve won. I’m just trying to do whatever I can do to help the team win and play as long as we can.”

A transfer from Virginia Tech, Alleyne has filled a reserve role, averaging 4.4 points in 18.2 minutes per game. His time in Storrs has flown by.

“Definitely surreal,” Alleyne said “I didn’t think it would be here this quick. I remember packing my bags and going off to Virginia Tech as a freshman and I remember the first two weeks being the worst two weeks of my life. … I’m just grateful for everything. I feel like it will be a little emotional, but we’ve got to lock in for the game.”

Calcaterra came the longest distance, transferring after playing four years at the University of San Diego. He’s injected energy and personality into the team and hit some big shots earlier in the season to help propel UConn’s fast start. His playing time has dipped in recent weeks He’s averaging 5.5 points in 14.4 minutes and shooting a team-best 42.3 percent from 3-point land.

“It’s been a blessing,” Calcaterra said. “I’m just happy that I got the opportunity to come to UConn and play on a stage like this. It’s been everything that I dreamed about. It’s been a real privilege to be coached by the coaches on staff here and to play with the players that we’ve got on the team.”

Newton, Alleyne and Springs all have one season of eligibility remaining and could possibly return, but they’re not thinking about their futures right now.

Springs has been what Hurley calls a “great program guy,” with his contribution coming more behind the scenes and in practice. He’s appeared in just 23 games in his career.

“He’s really helped us build a culture and relationships,” Hurley said. “He’s been a great teammate and a hard worker.”

A win over Providence would be a nice sendoff.

Winners of four of their last five games, the Huskies are gaining steam for the home stretch. They reside in fifth place – the top five finishers receive a first round bye in the Big East tournament – with four regular season games to go.

“It’s a big couple of weeks coming up,” Calcaterra said. “This is what we worked for throughout the off-season and during the season. We’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

g.keefe@theday.com

No. 18 UCONN vs. No. 20 PROVIDENCE

Location: Gampel Pavilion, Storrs

Tip: 6:30 pm. (FS1)

Records: UConn 20-7, 9-7; Providence 20-7, 12-4

Last game: UConn beat Seton Hall, 64-55, Saturday; Providence defeated Villanova, 85-72, Saturday

Probable starters: UConn, 6-5 sr. guard Tristen Newton (10 pts, 4 rebs, 4.3 assists), 6-6 jr. guard Andre Jackson (6.2 pts, 6.3 rebs, 4.1 assists), 6-5 so. guard Jordan Hawkins (16.4 pts, 4 rebs), 6-8 r-fr. forward Alex Karaban (9.5 pts, 4.1 rebs), 6-9 jr. forward Adama Sanogo (16.9 pts, 7.3 rebs)

Providence, 5-10 grad guard Jared Bynum (9.3 pts, 4.5 assists), 6-3 grad guard Noah Locke (11.1 pts), 6-3 so. guard Devin Carter (13.4 pts, 5 rebs), 6-7 so. forward Bryce Hopkins (16.9 pts, 9.3 rebs), r-sr. forward Ed Croswell (13.1 pts, 7.3 rebs)

Noteworthy: First time in rivalry that both teams will face each other as ranked teams. … Series: UConn leads, 45-31, losing three of the last four meetings including 73-61 on Jan. 4 on the road. Hopkins (27 pts) and Croswell (13 pts, 13 rebs) led the Friars, reserve Donovan Clinga (12 pts, 11 rebs) and Hawkins (15 pts) led the Huskies, who shot 36.5 percent. … Top reserve: jr. guard Alyn Breed (5.2 pts, 2.5 assists). … Stat to watch: Points from the foul line where UConn was out-scored 29-10 in the first meeting. “Overall, we’ve got to try to commit less fouls,” Hurley said. … Hot: Hopkins named Big East player of the week after averaging 19.5 pts, 10.5 rebounds in two wins. Cold: UConn converted under 43 percent in three of the last four games. … Huskies 2-3 vs. ranked teams this season. … UConn 13-2 at home, including 7-1 at Gampel. PC 5-5 on the road. … UConn transfer Corey Floyd, Jr., a reserve guard for PC, is averaging 2.3 points in 8.8 minutes in 23 games. ... Huskies 2-5 vs. top four teams in the Big East. … Up next: UConn visits St. John’s at noon Saturday at Madison Square Garden in NYC.

– Gavin Keefe