Site: Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Ill.
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: SNY (Lou Canellis, Sean Kearney)
Radio: WTIC-AM 1080 (Joe D'Ambrosio, Wayne Norman)
Series history: UConn, 9-1
Last meeting: UConn, 99-78, Jan. 8, 2013 at Gampel Pavilion
Streaks: DePaul L1, UConn W1
UConn (18-7, 8-5)
t 13 SHABAZZ NAPIER, G, 6-1, Jr., 16.7 ppg. – Has 46 points in six OT periods this season
t 11 RYAN BOATRIGHT, G, 6-0, So., 15.4 – Is 5-for-19 from floor past two games
t 21 OMAR CALHOUN, G/F, 6-5, Fr., 11.1 – Sprained right wrist limits signature perimeter shooting
t 2 DeANDRE DANIELS, F, 6-8, So., 10.1 – Had 17 points, four blocks vs. Cincinnati
t 10 TYLER OLANDER, C, 6-9, Jr., 4.5 – Had only two rebounds in 32 minutes vs. Cincinnati
t 5 NIELS GIFFEY, F, 6-7, Jr., 4.8 – In 21.1 minutes a game, has 24 steals
DePaul (11-15, 2-11)
t 12 CLEVELAND MELVIN, F, 6-8, Jr., 16.2 ppg. – Averaging 7.3 rebounds to lead team
t 20 BRANDON YOUNG, G, 6-4, Jr., 16.7 – Scored career-high 35 vs. UConn on Jan. 8
t 21 JAMEE CROCKETT, F, 6-4, So., 9.4 – Shooting 39.7 percent from the floor
t 12 KIRK DONNAVAN, F, 6-9, Jr., 7.0 – Did not play vs. UConn Jan. 8 because of suspension
t 32 CHARLES McKINNEY, G, 6-3, So., 5.3 – Did not play vs. UConn Jan. 8 because of suspension
t 0 WORREL CLAHAR, G 5-11, Sr., 7.1 – Has 85 assists, 50 turnovers, 33 steals
What To Watch
All Over Cleveland: Daniels did a superb job defending Melvin in the Jan. 8 meeting. His four blocks vs. Cincinnati indicate Daniels has picked up his defensive game still further.
On The Rebound: UConn outrebounded DePaul, but two DePaul starters, Donnavan and McKinney, were suspended for violating a team rule. The Demons will be tougher down low.
All That Shabazz: All Napier, all the time, and especially in overtime. He rebounded from his off day vs. Villanova with 27 points vs. Cincinnati. If DePaul again tries to press Napier and Boatright, it could be a big night for them.
Boat Show For Folks: Back in his hometown, in an arena that figures to have plenty of seats available, look for a huge Boatright cheering section from Aurora, Ill.
Calhoun's Court: If Calhoun's right wrist is not better, UConn will be limited in its three-point shooting and DePaul's defense can adjust, without having to worry about Calhoun outside.
Effort: The Huskies, despite their postseason ban, have played hard all season and seem intent on accumulating wins as if there were tournament implications. DePaul has played itself nearly out of tournament contention. Will the Blue Demons play this one like it matters?
DOM AMORE I damore@courant.com
