DePaul Blue Demons Men's Basketball vs UConn Huskies Men's Basketball: What Really Happened

If you’ve been following the Big East this winter, you know the vibe. It’s gritty. It’s loud. And usually, if the UConn Huskies are on the court, it’s a masterclass in modern college hoops. Honestly, the recent showdown between the DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball vs UConn Huskies men's basketball on January 10, 2026, was exactly that—a display of why Dan Hurley has built a literal juggernaut in Storrs and why Chris Holtmann is sweating the details in Chicago.

UConn won 72-60. On paper? A comfortable 12-point margin. In reality? It was a wire-to-wire clinic that felt a bit more lopsided until a late DePaul run during garbage time.

The Huskies are currently ranked No. 4 in the nation (though they bumped to No. 3 shortly after). They don’t just beat teams; they sort of suffocate them. For DePaul, a program desperately trying to climb out of the conference basement, these matchups are measuring sticks that occasionally feel like a brick wall.

The Reality of the DePaul Blue Demons Men's Basketball vs UConn Huskies Men's Basketball Rivalry

Let’s be real about the "rivalry" part. It’s barely one. Before this January meeting, UConn had won 21 straight against the Blue Demons. Now? Make it 22. The Huskies own a 23-1 all-time record against DePaul. The only time DePaul actually tasted victory in this series was way back in 2007. To put that in perspective, the iPhone hadn't even launched yet.

Saturday's game at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford was a showcase for UConn's balance. While most teams rely on one superstar, Hurley has a rotation where anyone can kill you.

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• Braylon Mullins: The freshman is a problem. He dropped 16 points and grabbed seven boards.
• Alex Karaban: The veteran presence. 15 points. He’s now moving into the top tier of UConn’s all-time scoring and three-point lists.
• Silas Demary Jr.: 14 points and four assists. He’s been on a tear lately, finding his rhythm from deep after a slow start to the season.

DePaul didn’t just roll over, though. Layden Blocker, a bright spot for Holtmann’s squad, finished with 16 points. Brandon Maclin and CJ Gunn hit double figures too. But shooting 30% from three against a team like UConn is basically a death sentence. You've gotta be nearly perfect to upset the Huskies at home, where they’ve now won 24 straight in Hartford.

Breaking Down the X's and O's

Why can't DePaul close the gap? It comes down to two things: points off turnovers and the paint. UConn turned 15 Blue Demon miscues into 20 points. That’s transition math that kills any momentum. Plus, the Huskies outscored DePaul 38-28 in the paint.

DePaul actually shot a higher percentage in the second half—56.5% to be exact. They fought. They cut the lead to four at one point in the first half after Théo Pierre-Justin caught fire from deep. But UConn responds to runs like a professional team. A 10-2 spurt here, a buzzer-beating three there, and suddenly a four-point game is a ten-point halftime lead.

The Chris Holtmann Factor at DePaul

You have to give Holtmann some credit. DePaul is significantly better than they were a year ago. They’ve already surpassed their win total from the disastrous 2023-24 season by a wide margin. They even beat Georgetown and took Creighton to double overtime in the previous year's tournament.

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But year two of a rebuild is about "film-heavy fixes," as Holtmann puts it. He’s been vocal about the team's "second-half issues" and the need for more instinctive play. Basically, he wants them to stop overthinking. When you play a team like UConn, if you think for a split second too long, the ball is already going the other way for a dunk.

The UConn Juggernaut

UConn is 16-1. They are 6-0 in the Big East for the first time in over two decades. They aren't just winning; they are "cruising," which is a terrifying word for the rest of the conference.

What makes them different this year? It’s the depth. Solo Ball is averaging over 15 points a game. Tarris Reed Jr. is a double-double threat every night. They lead the Big East in effective field goal percentage. If you focus on Karaban, Mullins burns you. If you pressure the guards, Reed eats you alive on the glass.

What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup

There’s a narrative that DePaul is just a "buy game" for the big dogs in the Big East. That’s becoming less true. The Blue Demons are actually playing top-50 level defense at times. In a recent game against Georgetown, they held the Hoyas to a single field goal in the second half. That is absurd.

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The problem in the DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball vs UConn Huskies men's basketball series isn't that DePaul is "bad" anymore—it's that UConn is historically great. We are watching a program that is arguably in the middle of a dynasty.

Key Stats from the January 10 Meeting

• Final Score: UConn 72, DePaul 60
• Rebounds: UConn 30, DePaul 25
• Bench Points: UConn 26, DePaul 9 (This was the quiet killer)
• Field Goal %: UConn 50%, DePaul 46.8%

Actionable Insights for the Rest of the Season

If you're a betting person or just a die-hard fan, watch the "points off turnovers" stat for DePaul. If they can keep that under 10, they can hang with almost anyone in the mid-tier of the Big East. For UConn, it's all about the health of Alex Karaban. He’s the glue. As he climbs the record books, his efficiency keeps the floor spaced for the younger guys like Mullins.

Next Steps for Fans:

• Watch the Rematch: If these two meet again in the Big East Tournament, look for DePaul to try and slow the pace. Their best chance is a low-possession "rock fight."
• Keep an eye on Layden Blocker: He’s becoming the definitive "alpha" for DePaul. His ability to get to the rim is elite, even against UConn’s length.
• Check the Rankings: UConn is hunting for that No. 1 spot again. Every conference game is a potential trap, but they haven't tripped yet.

The gap is closing, slowly. DePaul is no longer a guaranteed 30-point blowout. But until someone figures out how to stop Dan Hurley’s offensive sets, the Blue Demons—and most of the country—are playing for second place.