Depaul Blue Demons vs Uconn Huskies Picks and Predictions January 1st 2025

No. 11 UConn looking for ‘killer instinct’ at DePaul

As the No. 11 UConn Huskies (10-3, 2-0 Big East) gear up to face DePaul in a Big East Conference clash on Wednesday in Chicago, the team is seeking to cultivate a critical edge—the elusive “killer instinct.” Head coach Dan Hurley believes this element is essential for the Huskies to transition from good to great.

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UConn’s Focus on Finishing Strong

After back-to-back national championships, Hurley acknowledges that the current squad lacks the ability to deliver decisive blows late in games.

“Last year’s team, when we’d get a game to 14, it would quickly stretch to 22. This year, we don’t have that killer instinct yet,” Hurley admitted. Despite this, UConn enters the game on a six-game winning streak, although four of those wins were by six points or fewer.

Hassan Diarra: UConn’s Emerging Leader

Point guard Hassan Diarra has been instrumental in UConn’s recent success, providing steady leadership and exceptional playmaking. With 48 assists to just 10 turnovers during the streak, including seven assists in a narrow 78-74 win over Butler on Dec. 21, Diarra has established himself as a calming presence.

“Diarra has big-time guts and confidence,” Hurley said. “When he’s in the huddle, it feels like you’re going into battle with a general.”

Offensive and Defensive Contributors

UConn has showcased balanced scoring with four players averaging double digits:

• Alex Karaban: Team leader with 16.5 points per game.
• Liam McNeeley: Consistent scorer with 13.9 points per game.
• Solo Ball and Tarris Reed Jr.: Adding 12.5 and 11.5 points per game, respectively.

Reed also dominates the boards, pulling down 8.2 rebounds per game to anchor UConn’s defense.

DePaul’s Quest to Break the Streak

DePaul (9-4, 0-2 Big East) enters the matchup on a much different trajectory, having not won a Big East regular-season game since Jan. 18, 2023. Their conference losing streak now stands at 34 games. However, a strong 9-2 non-conference record provides a glimmer of hope.

The Blue Demons are led by:

• Jacob Meyer: Averaging 14.5 points per game.
• Isaiah Rivera: Adding 11.4 points per game with a strong inside presence.

Their recent 84-65 rout of Loyola Maryland highlighted their potential, though conference struggles remain a glaring obstacle.

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The Perspective of DePaul’s First-Year Coach

Chris Holtmann, in his first year leading DePaul, is focused on incremental improvements rather than dwelling on past failures.

“As coaches and players, it’s easy to get consumed with the streak, but my job is to focus on solving problems and helping the team grow,” Holtmann explained. His approach aims to keep the Blue Demons focused on building a foundation for future success.

Historical Context: UConn’s Dominance

UConn has dominated this rivalry, winning 19 of 20 all-time meetings, including sweeping DePaul last season by margins of 29 and 36 points. DePaul’s last win against UConn dates back to Jan. 31, 2007—a streak they are eager to break on Wednesday.

What’s at Stake?

For UConn, the game offers a chance to refine their ability to close out contests, a crucial skill as the season progresses. DePaul, on the other hand, is fighting for pride, morale, and a long-awaited end to their Big East struggles.

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Game Outlook

Expect a clash of narratives when UConn and DePaul face off. Can the Huskies rediscover the relentless edge that fueled last year’s success? Or will DePaul rise to the occasion and rewrite their story? Wednesday’s matchup promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams.