R.J. Cole’s 25-point performance leads No. 20 UConn over DePaul, 57-50
CHICAGO (AP) — R.J. Cole scored 25 details to support No. 20 Connecticut conquer DePaul 57-50 on Saturday for its fifth straight gain.
Cole scored more than half of his team’s very first-half points, assisting the Huskies (15-4, 6-2 Big East) carry on their surge up the convention standings.
The Blue Demons (10-10, 1-9) have dropped 9 of their very last 10 immediately after going 9-1 to get started the time. Javan Johnson led DePaul with 18 factors. Brandon Johnson also scored 14 details.
Irrespective of a sturdy very first fifty percent, DePaul was not able to muster up enough offense to pull off the upset, particularly with Javon Freeman-Liberty missing his fourth straight sport. Freeman-Liberty, the conference’s top scorer, has been out given that Jan. 13 with a groin damage.
Adama Sanogo came alive in the next 50 %, tallying 6 factors, a block and a steal in the 1st 4 minutes. The Huskies elevated the defensive pressure on DePaul, which assisted them rip off a 16-5 scoring operate.
Connecticut initially could not establish its guide soon after failing to funds in on several next chance options. But with Brandon Johnson briefly sidelined following operating into foul hassle, DePaul’s offense struggled to come up with vital baskets.
The Blue Demons clawed again to inside 5 all through the closing moment, but Cole strike a pair of free of charge throws with 22 seconds still left to seal the victory for Connecticut.
The Huskies opened the match on a 7- operate, with Cole scoring 5 factors in just the initially three minutes. DePaul immediately countered, outscoring Connecticut 23-6 via the midway place of the very first half. Nick Ongenda punctuated the Blue Demons’ run by blocking a Jalen Gaffney layup and throwing down a two-handed dunk on the following possession.
Cole sparked another rally from there, hitting 3 layups and bringing the Huskies’ to inside of two on the scoreboard. Soon after Connecticut forced a shot clock violation, Sanogo caught a cross-court inbounds go and strike a layup with a lot less than a 2nd remaining to lower the deficit to 29-28 at halftime.
Big Photograph
UConn: The Huskies have rattled off five straight meeting wins just after a 1-2 start out in Big East perform. They’ll get a great opportunity to show their legitimacy in the coming months, with three of their following 4 opponents at this time ranked in the Prime 25.
DePaul: The Blue Demons’ sizzling start to this season feels like it occurred yrs ago. DePaul once appeared all set to make a operate at its initially NCAA Match bid because 2004, but struggles in convention participate in have very likely undone any of all those hopes.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
A fifth straight gain need to enable Connecticut go up in the rankings, as will No.15 USC’s reduction on Thursday. The Huskies could make an even more substantial leap need to they finish the upcoming 7 days with a earn above No. 14 Villanova. DePaul, meanwhile, will need to have to surge by means of February if it has any hope of getting interest from the voters.
UP Next
UConn: Returns household to host Creighton on Tuesday.
DePaul: Travels to Cincinnati on Saturday to get on No. 21 Xavier.
