No. 5 UConn Huskies will now be travelling to Chicago to face opponents DePaul on the road for Big East conference play on Sunday. The Huskies are coming off a 79-60 victory over Butler in Hartford. Now, will the Huskies be able to continue with their winning ways at the Wintrust Arena? Let’s find out.
Prediction
UConn and DePaul have faced each other 21 times earlier and this would be the second time the matchup comes in Big East play. UConn has won all 20 of 21 matchups, including one in the second round of the 2004 NCAA Tournament. The last time the two teams faced each other was on January 29, 2025, when UConn beat DePaul 72-61 at Gampel Pavilion.
Solo Ball and Jayden Ross delivered career-defining performances in UConn’s recent victory over Butler. Ball notched a career-high 26 points, proving his evolution into a multi-level scorer by relying less on the three-ball. Jayden Ross sparked the second half with 13 points and a team-high eight rebounds, stepping up physically while the Huskies faced foul trouble and injuries. Their breakout play dominated the glass and provided a much-needed offensive spark. The focus now shifts to Sunday to see if this duo has truly found a new, sustainable gear.
DePaul enters Sunday’s matchup as the Big East bottom-dweller in both scoring and rebounding, offering a prime opportunity for UConn to solidify its presence on the glass. While the Blue Demons rely almost exclusively on NJ Benson for boards, the Huskies boast a balanced rotation featuring Tarris Reed, Alex Karaban, Silas Demary Jr., and Eric Reibe, who all average at least four per game.
Since both teams currently rank near the bottom of the conference in offensive rebounding, the lane is wide open for a physical breakout. Look for Jayden Ross and Alex Karaban to exploit this weakness, using their high motor and IQ to turn missed shots into momentum-swinging second chances.
ESPN’s matchup predictor estimates 90% chance for UConn to clinch this matchup.
Lineups
UConn Lineup
PG: Silas Demary
SG: Solo Ball
SF: Braylon Mullins
PF: Alex Karaban
C: Tarris Reed Jr.
DePaul Lineup
PG: Layden Blocker
SG: Brandon Maclin
SF: CJ Gunn
PF: NJ Benson
C: Theo Pierre-Justin
Injuries
For UConn, it is unknown whether Jaylin Stewart will feature in this game as he went down with a shoulder injury in the first half against Butler. Otherwise, the team is expected to field its roster in full strength on Sunday afternoon. For DePaul, Theo Pierre-Justin still seems to be a game-time decision while Amsal Delalic remains out for the season.
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