A daily look at the best of the local sports scene ...

Develop a cold, a stomach ache, an unexpected obligation, and head over to Union Station, hop on a train and head to the city. You deserve it. Heck, your kids have missed, what, 34 days of school this winter, what's an afternoon of work.

Head to the Garden for UConn-St. John's men's basketball at 7, but give yourself time to stop and indulge in a little pastrami on rye and a nice pint beforehand. Think of it as an early Valentine's Day gift to yourself.

No. 10 UConn has won nine straight regular-season meetings with St. John's, but was smoked in the first round of the Big East tournament by the Johnnies last year. And St. John's is no slouch this year. Just ask Duke.

OK, OK, WAKE UP!! The game is on at ESPN at 7. You can read about it in Dave Borges' preview and his preview capsule in between finishing up those reports for work. And don't forget to stop and get a quart of milk on the way home!

But do yourself a favor. If you've never been to the Big East tournament at the Garden, get your tickets now and plan a trip. It really is worth it.

-- The very best of high school indoor track will take place at the New Haven Athletic Center starting Thursday with Class S and runs through Saturday. Read more about who to watch for in Mike Pucci's preview capsules.

-- The Southern Connecticut Conference gymnastics championships are at 6:30 p.m. at Law. Read more in Chris Hunn's preview capsule.

Here are Thursday's high school schedules

Boys basketball
Girls basketball
Boys hockey
Girls hockey
Boys swimming