The No. 5 UConn Huskies (11-1, 1-0 Big East) are set to face off against the DePaul Blue Demons (8-4, 0-1) in an exciting NCAA basketball matchup on Sunday at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The game is scheduled to tip off at 4:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action on FS1.
UConn comes into this game riding a seven-game winning streak, having recently dominated the Butler Bulldogs with a 79-60 victory in their Big East opener. The Huskies showcased their prowess, covering the spread as 15.5-point favorites, and the total went Under (144). Guard Solo Ball led the charge with an impressive 26 points, while fellow guard Silas Demary Jr. contributed significantly with 11 assists and six rebounds. Defensively, UConn held Butler to a mere 21% shooting from beyond the arc.
In contrast, DePaul is looking to bounce back after suffering a 79-66 defeat to No. 20 St. John’s in their Big East opener. The Blue Demons, who were underdogs by 19.5 points, managed to cover the spread, with a strong performance from forward Kaleb Banks, who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Guard CJ Gunn added 15 points, but DePaul’s struggles were evident, particularly in free-throw opportunities, as they attempted only five shots compared to St. John’s 21.
Historically, UConn has been dominant against DePaul, winning their last 19 encounters, with the lone setback for the Huskies coming way back in 2007. They won the previous matchup last season, 72-61, and currently lead the all-time series 20-1.
BetMGM Sportsbook has UConn favored with a moneyline of -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100) and DePaul at +775 (bet $100 to win $775). The spread stands at UConn -14.5, with an over/under total of 136.5 points.
Experts predict a significant win for UConn, forecasting a score of 75-58. The Huskies are expected to cover the spread, showing consistency in their performance away from home. Their offensive rhythm and defensive integrity have notably improved since a challenging Maui trip, positioning them as a formidable opponent.
DePaul, while demonstrating competitive spirit, faces an uphill battle against the deeper and more balanced UConn squad. The Huskies’ ability to exploit DePaul’s weaknesses, particularly in rebounding, is crucial, especially as they look to exploit mistakes made by opponents.
In terms of total points, the Under is a strong betting option as both teams have struggled with efficient scoring. DePaul ranks lowest in the Big East for field-goal percentage, and UConn’s elite defense should further limit scoring opportunities.
Overall, this matchup promises to be a showcase of UConn’s strengths as they continue their pursuit of excellence within the Big East conference. As college basketball enthusiasts anticipate the game, the analytical breakdown suggests a clear path for UConn, providing a positive outlook for their fans heading into this highly anticipated match.