Notes & Quotes: UConn downs DePaul
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In a season marked by starts and stops amid coronavirus precautions, UConn ended 2020 in style with a big win over DePaul.
The Huskies dominated for 40 minutes on their way to an 82-61 victory over the Blue Demons inside Gampel Pavilion.
UConn (4-1, 1-1 Big East) was coming off a 10-day layoff but worked off the rust and executed a balanced attack that proved to be too much for DePaul to handle.
“Happy to play again and just thrilled to get our first conference win,” UConn head coach Dan Hurley said.
Tyrese Martin led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds, James Bouknight added 20 points, and Josh Carlton finished with 11 points and 10 boards. It was the first time Bouknight didn't lead the team in scoring all season.
Darious Hall led DePaul (1-2, 0-2) with 14 points.
UConn led 41-27 at halftime and never had much of a challenge from the Blue Demons.
WHAT WENT WELL
Share the Wealth: As great as Bouknight has been, the Huskies got other players involved against DePaul once the offense started to click. Martin had his best night as a Husky and six players scored at least five points.
Dan Hurley: “Just activity, (Martin’s) a guy we can post some because he's so athletic and so active. He's an excellent rebounder on the offensive glass.”
DePaul head coach Dave Leitao: “(Bouknight) played well, but it’s the other guys we didn’t do a good job of containing.”
Tyrese Martin: “It felt really good, it meant a lot, but it gives me confidence to keep going, going forward. I can't get complacent with that performance, I know I can do more to help this team and that's what I want to focus on.”
Lockdown Defense: The offense might be a work-in-progress, but the Huskies were locked in on defense and did a good job against DePaul’s top scorers - Romeo Weems (eight points) and Charlie Moore (six).
Hurley: If you are a high-level defensive team you’re going to have a chance to win every night.”
WHAT NEEDS WORK
More Games: The well-rested Huskies struggled to get that offense rolling early on, hitting just two of the first nine shots, but made 13 of 20 to close the half. Obviously, the more they can play, the better that offense can get moving forward.
Hurley: “James was like a C+ tonight … 20 (points) on 13 shots was a pretty good day for him. We have to get more people going.”
Leitao: “It took them a little while to get themselves going, but their will was really good today.”
Isaiah, Don't Leave Us: For the second-straight Big East game, UConn glue guy Isaiah Whaley found himself on the bench too often due to foul trouble. He fouled out with six minutes left with only two points and four rebounds in 15 minutes.
Hurley: “We have to get Isaiah going, he’s struggled in the last two.”
NOTES
Freshman Adam Sanogo made his second career start. … Freshman Andre Jackson (wrist) and sophomore Akok Akok (Achilles’ tendon) were not dressed for the game. Jackson is expected to miss six weeks, while Akok could return in the next few weeks. … The Blue Demons got off to a late start this season due to COVID-related issues. … The Huskies are on a three-game road trip to open the 2021 portion of their season. The next game at Gampel Pavilion is Jan.15 against Villanova. … It was UConn’s first Big East win since March 9, 2013 when it beat Providence. … Richie Springs came into the game late and scored his first point at UConn with a foul shot.
UP NEXT
UConn's next game is scheduled for Jan. 5 at Marquette. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. EST and the contest will be televised on FS1.