#11 UConn vs DePaul: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | January 1, 2025

Can the Huskies beat St. John's and stop their winning streak?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

DePaul hosts UConn in what promises to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the college basketball slate. The Blue Demons look to prove their dominance at home against a top-25 opponent, while the Huskies aim to showcase their road-tested firepower. With contrasting tempos and efficient offenses on both sides, this game has all the ingredients for an offensive showdown.

Write Up Transparency

Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @C_marchio2 to get my full card every day! Check my Action profile on the Action app @cmarchio. Picks are always FREE.

Last Month in CBB: 33-29 (-0.17 Units)

Last Three Days: 0-5 (-5.7 Units)

FADE ME!! I AM ICE COLD!

#11 UConn vs DePaul Odds

Does DePaul stand a chance against #11 UConn in their home gym?

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.

Spread

UConn: -12 (-125)

DePaul: +12 (+105)

Total

Over: 145.5 (-110)

Under: 145.5 (-110)

Moneyline

UConn: -750

DePaul: +550

#11 UConn vs DePaul Predictions

As a two-time DePaul graduate and self-proclaimed college sports degenerate, having this game scheduled on the same day as the College Football Playoffs feels borderline criminal. In my (un)biased opinion, this is the college basketball game of the day.

This is where the world gets to see just how good DePaul can be at home against a top-25 opponent. Meanwhile, UConn has the chance to prove they are still dominant on the road. The spread has shifted from an opening line of 10.5 to 12, with the potential to climb even higher. However, the spread is not our focus this afternoon; the total is where the real focus lies.

The Huskies have slowed their pace significantly this season, ranking 319th in tempo. On the flip side, the Blue Demons love to push the pace at Wintrust Arena, where they rank 126th in tempo according to Bart Torvik. With DePaul at home, they should be able to dictate the pace and force UConn to play a faster style of basketball.

DePaul thrives in its home gym, where Haslametrics ranks them as the number one team in home-court advantage. However, context matters: of the ten teams they have hosted, only three rank inside the top 135, while the others fall between the high 200s and mid-300s. In other words, they have yet to face a true test at home this season.

Offensively, DePaul has been efficient, ranking 83rd in adjusted offensive efficiency, 59th in effective field goal percentage (eFG%), 56th in three-point percentage, and 36th in three-point rate. They rely heavily on the deep ball, though head coach Chris Holtmann has made adjustments to balance their approach in recent games. Earlier in the season, DePaul ranked third in three-point rate, which proved unsustainable.

Fortunately for DePaul, UConn has struggled to defend the three-point shot, particularly on the road, where they rank among the bottom three in three-point defense. Additionally, the Huskies are third-worst in free throw rate defense. DePaul, while average at drawing fouls, should prioritize attacking inside to exploit these weaknesses and avoid over-relying on perimeter shooting.

On the other side, UConn’s offense remains elite, ranking fourth in the nation away from home. They are 19th in eFG% offense and rank in the top 50 in both three-point and two-point shooting percentages. If forced to play faster, the Huskies are more than capable of thriving at an elevated pace.

DePaul’s defense has had moments of brilliance but has yet to face an offense as potent as UConn’s. While the Huskies have been sluggish at times this season, they have the tools to march into Chicago’s South Loop and deliver a dominant performance.

Both teams have leaned toward the over this season, with a combined 15-11 record. Over their last ten games, they are an impressive 13-7 to the over.

Expect a fast-paced, offense-heavy matchup with DePaul setting the tempo. The Blue Demons’ comfort level at home, where they have played their best basketball, should help keep this game competitive. If both offenses hit their stride, this total should soar over.

SKO MONS!