Despite a strong-second half run to get within single digits, DePaul fell 81-68 to No. 11 UConn at Wintrust Arena. Conor Enright had a team-high 18 points with nine assists for the Blue Demons (9-5, 0-3 Big East) in their 19th consecutive loss to the Huskies (11-3, 3-0).
DePaul used a 7-0 run to close to 61-52 with 7:58 left, but UConn’s Jayden Ross blocked Troy D’Amico’s layup attempt before Alex Karaban made a big three-pointer for the Huskies. After CJ Gunn converted a layup for DePaul on the other end, Ball made a three to make it 70-54 with 6:14 remaining.
Solo Ball made seven three-pointers and finished with 22 points to lead UConn.
Alex Karaban had 18 points for the Huskies, who have recovered nicely after losing three in a row at the Maui Invitational.
Takeaways
UConn: Hassan Diarra finished with seven points, but the experienced guard affected the game with his speed and athleticism. He had nine assists and one turnover.
DePaul: The Blue Demons are much improved in their first season under coach Chris Holtmann, but there is still a sizeable talent gap when they take on the Big East's elite teams.
Key moment
UConn closed the first half with a 9-2 run. Ball made a three-pointer in the final seconds to lift the Huskies to a 43-22 lead at the break.
Key stat
UConn went 14 for 29 from 3-point range, compared to 3 for 12 for DePaul. The Blue Demons were averaging 11.6 made 3s per game coming into the day.
Up next
UConn hosts Providence on Sunday. DePaul visits Villanova on Saturday.
