There’s a palpable buzz in Hartford as the No. 4 UConn Huskies (15–1, 5–0 Big East) prepare to host the DePaul Blue Demons (10–6, 2–3 Big East) at PeoplesBank Arena. Tip-off is set for 12:30 p.m. Eastern, and with both teams riding the momentum of recent wins, fans are eager to see how this Big East clash shakes out. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT and available for streaming on the TNT app, website, and HBO Max—a testament to the high stakes and growing interest in this matchup.
UConn enters this contest on an 11-game winning streak, their only blemish being a loss to Arizona earlier in the season. The Huskies’ latest triumph—a thrilling 103–98 overtime victory over Providence—showcased their resilience and firepower. Rallying back from a 10-point halftime deficit, UConn shot an eye-popping 49% from the field and an even more impressive 56% from three-point range, sinking 18 triples in the process. Four Huskies scored in double figures, with Braylon Mullins leading the way with 24 points and six made threes. Silas Demary Jr. was the orchestrator, tallying 23 points, 15 assists, and five steals, while Alex Karaban continued his strong run with 23 points. It was a balanced attack that overwhelmed Providence, especially in overtime where UConn outscored their opponent 14–9.
Head coach Dan Hurley praised his squad’s composure after the Providence win, saying, “We showed a lot of heart and togetherness. When we share the ball like that, we’re tough to beat.” According to ESPN, UConn’s ability to distribute—averaging 10.2 assists per first half this season, best among all Big East teams—has been a defining trait. Their assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.0 last season was the best among Division 1 programs, and the trend has continued, making them a model for unselfish, efficient basketball.
Defensively, the Huskies are just as formidable. They allow opponents to shoot only 27% from three in the first half and 38% overall—both best in the Big East. UConn holds teams to 63.5 points per game, ranking 10th in Division 1, and boasts a +270 scoring differential, outscoring opponents by nearly 17 points a night. Their rebounding is also elite, grabbing 34.4 boards per game—6.6 more than their opponents.
On the other side, DePaul arrives in Hartford with confidence, having notched a gritty 56–50 win over Georgetown. The Blue Demons’ defense was the story, allowing just one field goal in the entire second half—a feat tied for the fewest allowed in a half during the shot-clock era. Georgetown was limited to 22.6% shooting, and DePaul’s bench stepped up in a big way. Brandon Maclin recorded his first collegiate double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while NJ Benson dominated the glass with 16 rebounds.
DePaul’s resurgence this season has been driven by defense. Ranked 13th nationally in holding teams to 44.6% on two-point attempts, the Blue Demons have a top-50 defense according to KenPom. They outscore opponents by 5.3 points per game, allowing 68.4 points per contest (69th nationally). Offensively, they’re less consistent, ranking 203rd in efficiency, but their ball movement is a strength—they assist on 64% of made field goals, 13th best in the country.
Key for DePaul is CJ Gunn, who’s averaging 13.7 points per game but is coming off a tough outing against Georgetown, scoring just three points on 1-of-9 shooting before fouling out. For DePaul to have a shot at the upset, Gunn will need to bounce back, and the team must capitalize on its defensive prowess. Layden Blocker, leading the team with 3.8 assists per game, and NJ Benson, who’s averaging 7.1 rebounds, will be crucial in keeping the Blue Demons competitive on both ends.
The teams are no strangers to each other, having met less than a month ago. UConn took that contest 72–54 in Chicago, suffocating DePaul’s offense and holding them to just 23% from beyond the arc. Alex Karaban led all scorers with 21 points on efficient shooting, while Tarris Reed Jr. was a force inside, posting 14 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Silas Demary Jr. also shined in that earlier matchup, contributing 13 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and a steal. UConn’s physicality and ability to penetrate the paint were decisive factors, as they scored 38 points inside.
Statistically, the Huskies have the edge in nearly every category. They average 80.4 points per game (117th nationally) and allow just 63.5. Their three-point shooting is solid at 36.4%, and they out-rebound opponents by a healthy margin. DePaul, meanwhile, puts up 73.7 points per game and allows 68.4, with rebounding numbers even with their opponents. The Blue Demons connect on 33.4% of their threes and average 7.3 made triples per game.
Betting markets reflect UConn’s dominance. The Huskies are heavy favorites, currently listed at -19.5 points, with the over/under set at 136.5. The winning team model gives UConn a 79.8% chance of victory, and the spread model predicts they’ll cover with 68.4% confidence. However, UConn is just 1–4 against the spread when favored by this margin, while DePaul is 1–0 as an underdog of at least 19.5 points. Both teams have performed well against the spread overall, with DePaul at 10–6 and UConn at 6–10.
Looking at individual matchups, UConn’s Solomon Ball (15.3 points per game) and Alex Karaban (5.3 rebounds per game) will be focal points. Silas Demary Jr. leads in assists (6.3 per game) and steals (1.7), while Eric Reibe anchors the defense with 1.3 blocks per contest. For DePaul, CJ Gunn, NJ Benson, and Layden Blocker will need to have standout performances to keep pace with the Huskies’ deep, balanced attack.
As tip-off approaches, the stage is set for a compelling Big East showdown. UConn’s two-way balance, depth, and home-court advantage make them the clear favorites, but DePaul’s recent defensive heroics and knack for covering big spreads suggest they won’t go quietly. Will the Huskies extend their winning streak to 12, or can the Blue Demons stun the crowd in Hartford with a defensive masterclass?
With both teams hungry and the stakes high, this afternoon’s matchup promises plenty of drama—and perhaps a few surprises before the final buzzer sounds.