The DePaul Blue Demons (2-3) will try to put an end to the eight-game winning streak of Xavier when they head to Cintas Center to meet the No. 6 Musketeers (13-1, 1-0 Big East). Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
DePaul Blue Demons vs. Xavier Musketeers ATS Preview
The last time the Blue Demons played, they defeated the UIC Flames, 65-55. Max Strus was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 9-for-19 shooting. The Blue Demons forced 18 turnovers and held the Flames to an effective field goal percentage of 0.367 (below their season average of 0.475).
The Musketeers come in on a high note after topping the Marquette Golden Eagles in their last outing, 91-87. With 23 points on 6-for-16 shooting, Trevon Bluiett led Xavier in scoring. Making free throws was one of Xavier’s largest strengths. They were 22-24 (91.7 percent), while the Golden Eagles were just 8-14 (57.1 percent).
The productive offense of Xavier will go head-to-head against the bottom-tier defense of DePaul. Dating back to last season, the Musketeers rank seventh in offensive efficiency, while the Blue Demons are 295th in defensive efficiency. The Musketeers should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
The Musketeers won all three contests against the Blue Demons last season. In the last matchup, Xavier won 75-64. The Musketeers played a nearly perfect game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.542 and a turnover percentage of 14.0. The Blue Demons were 0.429 and 16.7, respectively, for those same stats.
DePaul Blue Demons vs. Xavier Musketeers Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Xavier, ATS Winner – Xavier, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Blue Demons rank 97th in steals per game (6.6) while the Musketeers rank 106th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
- Xavier ranks 26th in assists per game (15.6) while DePaul ranks 212th (11.5).
- The Musketeers rank 48th in rebounds per game (37.8) while the Blue Demons rank 225th (33.0).
- DePaul ranks 149th in three pointers allowed per game (22.5) while Xavier ranks 230th (23.3).
