Connecticut Dominant in Win Over DePaul WBB

Chicago IL

02 February, 2021

6:50 AM

Description

No. 3/4 Connecticut came into Chicago in the middle of a major snowstorm, but their trip home was a happy one courtesy of a big 100-67 win over No. 17/20 DePaul. Despite DePaul going into the game as heavy underdogs, the 33 point loss was a bit surprising to most. One Chicago reporter disagreed though, stating it is the difference between a No. 3 team and a #17 team. DePaul jumped out to an early lead, ending the first quarter up 22-18. Unfortunately, it went downhill quickly from there. UConn took over and led 47-33 at half and 79-47 after three quarters, en route to the 33 point victory. DePaul led for 10:57, most of which was in the first quarter. DePaul's biggest lead was 7, while UConn was up by 40 in the fourth. As expected, UConn had big edges in points in the paint (58-26), second chance points (13-5), fast break points (20-9) and points from the bench (17-8). DePaul managed to tie UConn in points from turnovers (13). DePaul shjot 35.6% from the field, 30.8% from three point land and 70% on free throws. Meanwhile, UConn shot 57.7%, 40.0% and 61.5% in those categories. Sonya Morris paced DePaul with 19 points and six rebounds. She also added two assists and a steal. Lexi Held had 16 points, five rebounds and four steals (half of the team's total). Other Blue Demons in the scoring column included Jorie Allen 9), Dee Bekelja (8), Deja Chuch (7), Darrione Rogers (5) and Jolene Daninger (3). Christyn Williams led the Huskies with 29 points. Evina Westbrook's 14 rebounds and Paige Bucker's 10 assists also were team highs. In the post-game media session, players Sonya Morris and Lexi Held were obviously dejected, but did their best to remain positive. They talked about the loss stinging, but also moving past the one game. DePaul coach was surprisingly more upbeat. While acknowledging the big loss, he talked about learning from the experience and regrouping for the next game. Knowing Coach Bruno, he will use this game as a huge lesson for his team, with dividends to be paid in the tournament. It seems Bruno sometimes uses games like a boxer feeling out his opponentin the early rounds to come on strong later. Although this was a big loss, I am not ready to concede the conference or the tournament to UConn. DePaul now stands at 9-4, 6-2 in Big East Conference play. Having played 13 games, the Blue Demons now qualify for tournament play. DePaul will hit the road for a four game trip beginning Thursday at Seton Hall. They will also face Marquette, St. John's and Villanova before returning to Chicago to host Seton Hall on February 15.