Providence Friars vs. DePaul Blue Demons Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 10th 2024

Preview and Prediction

DePaul will begin their Big East season on Tuesday with a game against Providence in Chicago, and they are feeling cautiously optimistic.

Under the guidance of new coach Chris Holtmann, the Blue Demons (7-1) have had a successful start to their nonconference play. However, they are aware that their upcoming opponents, including the Friars, will be a tougher challenge.

This is especially true for DePaul, who had a winless record of 0-20 in the Big East last season and have not won a regular-season conference game since January 2023.

Their recent 76-62 loss to Texas Tech served as a valuable test for the team. Despite being down by only one point at halftime, the Blue Demons struggled in the second half, allowing the Red Raiders to go on a 21-5 run.

According to Holtmann, their lack of defensive intensity in both halves was a major factor in their defeat. He also acknowledged that nerves may have played a role in their slow start.

Providence (6-4) has also struggled to maintain momentum in their recent games. In their matchup against in-state rival Rhode Island, they had a seven-point lead at halftime but ultimately lost 69-63 due to poor shooting and turnovers.

Coach Kim English believes that his team is still learning the importance of every possession and staying focused throughout the game.

In their last game, Bryce Hopkins and Bensley Joseph led the Friars with 16 points each, while Jayden Pierre added 12 points.

Despite their recent loss, English is confident that his team will bounce back and improve.

DePaul's struggles with turnovers were also evident in their game against Texas Tech, where they committed 14 turnovers.

Holtmann acknowledged that they need to address their tendency to make risky plays and improve their ball control.

The Blue Demons will also need to work on their offensive rhythm, as only two players, Jacob Meyer and JJ Traynor, scored in double figures in their last game.

Providence has had the upper hand in their recent matchups against DePaul, winning their last five road games and holding a 40-13 overall record against them.

PREDICTION

Providence Friars

DePaul Blue Demons

Providence Friars vs. DePaul Blue Demons Recap DEC 10TH 2024

Bensley Joseph scored 20 points and Bryce Hopkins notched a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double as visiting Providence defeated DePaul 70-63 in overtime on Tuesday in Chicago in the Big East opener for both schools.

DePaul (7-2, 0-1) led by eight with 3:37 remaining in regulation but was unable to sustain momentum, losing its 33rd regular-season conference game in a row.

Jayden Pierre scored 11 points for Providence (7-4, 1-0) while Oswin Erhunmwunse contributed 10 points and eight rebounds.

David Skogman scored a game-high 22 points for DePaul while connecting on 6-of-10 3-pointers. Jacob Meyer added 10 points. Skogman grabbed six boards and Conor Enright dished seven assists, matching Joseph for the game high.

Providence outscored DePaul 12-5 in overtime. The Friars shot 44.4 percent from the field for the game compared to 32.8 percent for the Blue Demons.

DePaul didn't eclipse double figures in the second half until Skogman drilled a trey at the 8:58 mark to bring the hosts within 44-42.

The Blue Demons created distance with a 10-0 run that started with an Enright four-point play, taking a 56-48 lead with 3:37 to go. The Friars didn't fade, tying the game at 58 on a Pierre trey with 57 seconds left.

Enright and Troy D'Amico missed potential go-ahead 3s for DePaul moments later. Providence was unable to convert on the ensuing possession, with Joseph missing a layup before Hopkins' attempt at a tip-in at the buzzer was off the mark.

Both teams led by 10 in the first half before reeling in the other. The Friars jumped out early, but the Blue Demons answered with a 25-5 run, fueled by sharp ball movement and clutch shooting from deep.

DePaul led 30-27 at halftime as Providence scored the final seven points before the break.

Skogman led all scorers with 13 points in the first half, including a 3-for-4 effort from deep. Hopkins had 11 for Providence.

The Friars have won six straight on the road in the series.