Connecticut Visits DePaul in Big East Conference Opener ROSEMONT, Ill. (Interstat) — The fourth-ranked Connecticut Huskies, carrying the momentum of a nine-game winning streak, open their Big East Conference schedule on the road Sunday against the DePaul Blue Demons. The Huskies (11-1) enter conference play as one of the nation’s hottest teams, with their only loss a 71-67 setback to then-Arizona on Nov. 19. They are coming off a dominant 79-60 victory over Butler on Tuesday, powered by 26 points from guard Solo Ball. Ball has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 16.1 points over his last seven games. His backcourt partner, Braylon Mullins, added 12 points against Butler, while big man Tarris Reed Jr. contributed 16 points and three blocks. DePaul (8-4) looks to rebound from a 79-66 road loss to Saint John’s in its conference opener Tuesday. Forward Kaleb Banks led the Blue Demons with 19 points in that contest and has provided scoring punch, averaging 12.3 points over his last four games. The Blue Demons have shown resilience at Allstate Arena, posting a 5-1 home record this season. Their most impressive win came against Georgia Tech, 75-61, on Nov. 28. However, they have struggled against high-major competition, falling decisively to LSU (96-63) and Saint John’s. Connecticut’s defense has been a hallmark of its streak, holding opponents to an average of 60.2 points during the nine-game run. The Huskies have also proven capable in tight games, with close victories over Florida (77-73), Kansas (61-56) and BYU (86-84). DePaul will need to control the tempo and limit turnovers to have a chance against the disciplined Huskies. The matchup in the paint between DePaul’s NJ Benson and Connecticut’s Reed and Donovan Clingan will be critical. This game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the schools. They are scheduled to meet again in Storrs, Connecticut, on Jan. 10. Following this contest, Connecticut visits Xavier on Dec. 31, while DePaul travels to face Villanova on the same day.