Second Round Preview – Phoenix Region
(2) Connecticut vs. (7) DePaul
The most appealing story line in this game is the reunion of Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun with his former assistant coach, Dave Leitao, who is now DePaul’s coach. Leitao is familiar with Calhoun and both teams play strong defense, but Connecticut has superior talent on the court.
The game will likely be decided by the ability of DePaul to slow down Connecticut’s offensive weapons – meaning juniors Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon. The two combine for an average of 37 points per game. For DePaul, senior Andre Brown will have to be careful not to get in foul trouble while guarding Okafor because Brown is DePaul’s best big man. He is also the only player on the roster taller than 6’8.
Connecticut’s defensive game plan will be to prevent DePaul from having any open looks and letting Okafor regulate the paint. The Blue Demons do not excel from beyond the arc, making less than five three pointers per game. Junior Drake Diener, the hero from DePaul’s double overtime victory against No. 10 Dayton, will be a focus of the Huskies’ defense. Expect Gordon and company to erase DePaul’s long-range threats.
Prediction: Connecticut 76, DePaul 60
