Wed Jan 01 19:30:00 UTC 2025: ## UConn Faces Renewed DePaul Threat in New Year’s Day Matchup

**HARTFORD, CT** – The reigning national champion UConn Huskies (10-3) begin 2025 facing a significantly improved DePaul Blue Demons (9-4) on New Year’s Day. While UConn enjoyed a record-breaking 2024, culminating in a 37-win season, Coach Dan Hurley enters the new year with a focused wish list: improved defense.

Despite boasting the nation’s second-most efficient offense, UConn’s defense ranks a concerning 102nd nationally. While leadership and toughness remain strengths, Hurley seeks greater defensive consistency, particularly in on-ball defense, ball-screen coverage, and perimeter shooting defense. He hopes to integrate transfer Aidan Mahaney and further develop sophomores Jayden Ross and Jaylin Stewart to bolster the team’s depth.

This year’s DePaul team presents a far tougher challenge than in recent seasons. Under first-year coach Chris Holtmann, the Blue Demons have undergone a dramatic transformation, starting 7-0 and even receiving votes in the AP Top 25 – a stark contrast to their recent struggles. Although they’ve cooled slightly, losing four of their last six, their potent 3-point shooting (38.9%, 19th nationally in attempts) poses a significant threat to UConn’s vulnerable perimeter defense. Key players to watch include Jacob Meyer (14.5 ppg), Isaiah Rivera (11.4 ppg), and Conor Enright (7.1 apg), all proficient 3-point shooters. The Blue Demons’ success hinges, in part, on the health of center David Skogman, a key rebounder and outside shooter currently nursing a lower leg injury.

Hurley acknowledges the substantial improvement in DePaul, praising Holtmann’s coaching and the acquisition of experienced players. Despite UConn’s 18-game winning streak against DePaul, this New Year’s Day matchup promises a far more challenging contest than in years past. The game tips off on CBS Sports Network.

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