The Connecticut Huskies asserted their dominance over DePaul, cruising to a 72-60 victory at the PeoplesBank Arena. With the win, UConn improves to 19-1 on the season, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the country. The Huskies' balanced attack was on full display, with three players scoring in double figures, led by Braylon Mullins' 16 points and 7 rebounds.
Mullins was instrumental in setting the tone for the game, helping UConn build a 37-27 lead at halftime. The Huskies' defense was stifling, holding DePaul to just 27 points in the first half, including a stretch where they forced the Blue Demons into a nearly five-minute scoring drought. DePaul's Layden Blocker tried to keep his team afloat, scoring 10 of his 16 points in the first half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Huskies' relentless pressure.
In the second half, UConn continued to pull away, with Alex Karaban and Silas Demary Jr. joining Mullins in double figures. Karaban added 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Demary Jr. chipped in with 14 points. The Huskies' offense was efficient, shooting over 45% from the field and committing just 10 turnovers. DePaul, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 38% from the field and turning the ball over 15 times.
Despite the loss, Blocker was a bright spot for DePaul, finishing with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Brandon Maclin and CJ Gunn also contributed with 12 and 11 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Huskies' depth and talent. The Blue Demons' 11-8 record takes a hit with this loss, but they can take solace in the fact that they were competing against one of the best teams in the country.
This game was a Quadrant 3 win for UConn, which will likely have a minimal impact on their tournament resume. However, it's a Quadrant 1 loss for DePaul, which could have real consequences for their tournament chances. With a current NET ranking of 105, the Blue Demons need to start racking up quality wins to boost their resume. This loss won't help their cause, but they'll have opportunities to redeem themselves in future games.
The Huskies, on the other hand, continue to build their case for a high seed in the tournament. With a strong 19-1 record and a NET ranking of 8, they're well-positioned to make a deep run in the postseason. This win may not have been a statement victory, but it's a reflection of UConn's consistency and depth. As the season wears on, the Huskies want to continue their dominance and make a strong push for a conference title.