University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
DePaul University
Martin Propels Men’s Basketball to Third-Straight Road Win at DePaul
1/11/2021 8:47:00 PM | Men's Basketball
CHICAGO – Junior Tyrese Martin scored a game-high 18 points, including two huge buckets down the stretch, and added five steals to lead the No. 25 University of Connecticut men's basketball team past DePaul, 60-53, on Monday evening in the Windy City. With the win, UConn completed an unblemished three-game road trip and improves to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in BIG EAST play. The Blue Demons slip to 1-4 overall, 0-4 in the loop.
UConn led by three points, 33-30, at the half but DePaul used a 6-0 spurt to take a 38-35 lead just 2:33 into the second frame. The teams traded blows for most of a second half that featured eight lead changes and good old-fashioned BIG EAST physical play.
But the Huskies clamped down defensively and held DePaul scoreless for the final 4:27 and Martin scored back-to-back buckets in the game's last two minutes to seal the win. Led by a gritty defensive effort and some timely baskets, UConn outscored DePaul 13-2 over the final 5:19 and ended the game on an 8-0 run.
"The guys showed real toughness and grit," head coach Dan Hurley said. "Credit to DePaul though, they played really hard. Those guys are really talented with a couple really good front court players."
The game marked the team's first contest since the passing of legendary UConn ambassador and former head men's basketball coach Dee Rowe. The team discussed Rowe's influence on UConn and dedicated tonight's effort to his memory.
"We asked Coach Moore, Coach Freeman and Taliek Brown to speak about Dee Rowe's impact on the lives of people and what he means to New England basketball and specifically UConn basketball," Hurley said. "Dee is a cherished member of the UConn family. We had to find a way to win our third road game in a row so we decided to dig down and do that for Dee Rowe and his family."
Martin's 18 came on 7-14 shooting and he snared four rebounds to go along with his five thefts. R.J. Cole added 12 points and was 2-4 from long-range. He also dropped four dimes against one assist and posted four steals in 35-minutes of action
Senior Tyler Polley also chipped in with 12 points and grabbed four caroms.
The Huskies forced the Blue Demons into 24 turnovers and held a 22-14 edge in points off turnovers. Connecticut also held a commanding 16-3 advantage in steals.
The Huskies sprinted out to an early 11-point lead, 17-6, just 7:57 into the contest on the strength of seven points from Cole. DePaul would answer with a 12-2 spurt to pull to within one point and the Huskies held the Blue Demons at arm's length for the remainder of the first half, taking a 33-30 edge into the locker room.
UConn is back in action on Monday, January 18 when the team welcomes St. John's to Gampel Pavilion. Game time is set for 5 p.m. and the contest will be broadcast nationally on FS1.
