Alex Karaban scores 21 points as No. 5 UConn beats DePaul 72-54

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UConn forward Jayden Ross, right, battles for a rebound with DePaul guard RJ Smith, center, and UConn center Eric Reibe, left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

UConn guard Silas Demary Jr., center, shoots between DePaul forward Nj Benson, left, and guard CJ Gunn during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) — UConn forward Jayden Ross, right, battles for a rebound with DePaul guard RJ Smith, center, and UConn center Eric Reibe, left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

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6:50 PM on Sunday, December 21, 2025

By JAY COHEN

CHICAGO (AP) — Alex Karaban scored 21 points and No. 5 UConn shut down DePaul for a rugged 72-54 victory Sunday.

Playing without Solo Ball, UConn (12-1, 2-0 Big East) posted its eighth consecutive win. It also improved to 22-1 against DePaul.

The Huskies held the Blue Demons to 36.4% shooting. Led by Tarris Reed Jr.'s 11 rebounds, they also enjoyed a 40-28 advantage on the glass.

Ball was sidelined because of a minor injury. The junior guard is averaging a team-high 15.4 points after he scored a career-high 26 in Tuesday night’s 79-60 victory over Butler.

Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. ran off the court after he got sick early in the second half. But he returned with 14:28 left. He finished with 13 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

Layden Blocker had 11 points for DePaul (8-5, 0-2), which lost 79-66 at No. 22 St. John's in its Big East opener Tuesday night. Kruz McClure finished with 10.

The Blue Demons closed to 62-52 on Blocker's layup with 3:53 left. But Reed scored as the shot clock expired and Braylon Mullins drilled two 3-pointers to help the Huskies pull away.

Karaban made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:30 left in the first half, helping UConn to a 33-30 lead at the break.

UConn carried the momentum into the second half. Malachi Smith converted a driving layup and Jaylin Stewart had an athletic putback that made it 44-34 with 14:32 left.

Up next

UConn: At Xavier on Dec. 31.

DePaul: At Villanova on Dec. 31.

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