3-Point Preview: Marquette vs. DePaul

We’re used to seeing DePaul at the bottom of the BIG EAST, but not Marquette.

The Golden Eagles got off to a rough start losing at Ohio State, and then at home to Nebraska-Omaha. Since then, MU has won seven of their last nine games, including four in a row with wins over power conference teams like Georgia Tech, Tennessee and Arizona State.

Not the same can be said for DePaul. After starting out 6-1, the Blue Demons have lost six straight. Not the way you want to head into conference play.

Something unusual for Blue Demon fans is seeing their team scoring with some ease. DePaul is averaging 75 points per game with the help of four players averaging in double figures.

So, as these two teams enter the gauntlet that is the BIG EAST Conference, here’s three things we’re looking for at the Allstate Arena on New Year’s Eve.

Big Men in the Paint:

Luke Fischer has come in and played like a star for Marquette early on, and has become a focal point of the MU offense. Today he’ll go up against a talented big in Tommy Hamilton IV. The 6-foot-11 center is averaging just over 13 points per game and about 7 rebounds. Fischer bests that at about 15 and 7. Games are often won and lost in the paint, and I see this game being no different.

Turnovers, you say?

DePaul and turnovers have synonymous for a while, and this year has been no different. The Blue Demons are known for shooting themselves in the foot. DePaul averages 15 giveaways a game, and a few of those may spark a Golden Eagle run to put the game out of reach.

Rivalry on the Road

Rivalries are always tough to win, especially on the road. Just last season, DePaul took MU to overtime at Allstate in a thrilling two-point Golden Eagle victory. For that reason, this game will probably remain close until the middle of the second half when some of those turnovers may get to the Demons.