Despite stretches of offensive inefficiency, Connecticut was able to cruise past DePaul in the opening game of the 2012 Big East tournament.
The Huskies, who are hoping to solidify their spot in the NCAA tournament with a strong stretch in the Big East tournament, were led by sophomore Jeremy Lamb, who finished the game with 25 points on 10-17 shooting. As a team, Connecticut (the ninth seed in the tournament) shot 52.5 percent overall and eight of 13 from three point range.
DePaul, who finished last in the Big East during regular season play, shot just 32.9 percent from the field. Cleveland Melvin led the Blue Demons with 19 points and nine rebounds.
Connecticut, who won the Big East tournament as the ninth seed last season, moves on to face the eighth-seeded West Virginia Mountaineers in second round play on Wednesday.
For complete coverage of the Big East Tournament 2012, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream.
For a SB Nation New York preview of other Big East schools, click on its respective links:Syracuse, Marquette, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Georgetown, South Florida,Louisville,West Virginia, Connecticut, Seton Hall, Rutgers, St. John's, Pittsburgh,Villanova,Providence, DePaul.