In a thrilling start to the new year, the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team secured an 81-68 victory over the DePaul Blue Demons in Chicago. The Huskies (11-3, 3-0 Big East) maintained control throughout the game, despite facing challenges after losing freshman star Liam McNeeley to an ankle injury in the second half. This win marks their third consecutive Big East triumph, showcasing resilience and strong defensive play.

A Dominant First Half Leads to a Hard-Fought Victory

On a crisp winter day, the Huskies entered the court with renewed vigor following a 10-day break. They displayed exceptional defensive prowess in the first half, limiting DePaul to just 7-of-26 shooting. The big men were particularly dominant early on, contributing significantly to the Huskies' commanding lead. Solo Ball added a spark off the bench, scoring 12 points in the final minutes of the half, including four three-pointers, as UConn took a commanding 43-22 lead into halftime.

The second half began with the Huskies maintaining their momentum. However, the game took a turn when McNeeley suffered an ankle injury, forcing him to sit out for the remainder of the match. Hassan Diarra also faced foul trouble, which disrupted the team's rhythm. Sensing an opportunity, DePaul capitalized on these setbacks, narrowing the gap with a 15-2 run that brought the score to 61-52 with eight minutes left. Yet, UConn responded decisively, hitting three consecutive three-pointers to extend their lead back to 16 points. Alex Karaban finished with 18 points, while Ball led all scorers with 22 points, tying his career high.

DePaul, known for its prolific three-point shooting, struggled against UConn’s tight perimeter defense. The Blue Demons managed only three successful three-pointers out of 12 attempts, far below their usual performance. Leading scorer Jacob Meyer was held scoreless in the first half but contributed 12 points in the second. Despite a late push, DePaul could not close the gap to single digits, and UConn held on for the win.

The Huskies’ next challenge is a home game against Providence at Gampel Pavilion on Sunday, January 5th, broadcast on NBC.

This game highlights the importance of adaptability and teamwork in sports. Despite losing key players to injuries, the Huskies demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity. Their ability to adjust defensively and maintain offensive efficiency under pressure is a testament to their depth and coaching. It serves as a reminder that success often hinges on how well a team can respond to adversity, both on and off the court.