/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62985557/usa_today_12065399.0.jpg)
It’s been a rough two weeks for the DePaul Blue Demons. After beating the Seton Hall Pirates 97-93, they have gone through a three-game losing streak that includes losses to two ranked opponents in the Villanova Wildcats and Marquette Golden Eagles. Neither of those games have been relatively close, as DePaul has only lost by less than double digits once in that stretch (against Providence).
However, they did have an impressive showing on offense in their last game, an 86-74 loss to the Wildcats. Despite getting double digit performances from four players, including 20 points from Femi Olujobi, the Blue Demons fell after getting outscored by by 8 in the second half. The Wildcats also had four players who scored in double figures, including Eric Paschall, who dropped 20 despite shooting 6-of-18 from the field. The loss dropped the Blue Demons to 11-9 overall and 3-6 in conference play.
Unlike the Blue Demons, their opponents in the Providence Friars will be going into this one riding relatively high. Ed Cooley’s team has won three of their last five, but recently had a win streak snapped after a defeat at Seton Hall. The Friars did just enough to escape with a 70-67 victory the last time these two teams played. The winning ways for the Friars have them right in the middle of the Big East standings at 13-8 with a 3-5 conference record.
How to watch, listen, or stream
Game Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
TV: Fox Sports 1
Radio: DePaul (WIND 560 AM) || Providence (WPRO 630 AM/ 99.7 FM)
Stream: Fox Sports Go (where streaming is available)
Gamblin’ Odds
Odds: It’s an even matchup between the two programs (via OddsShark.com)
Record ATS: DePaul (10-9-1) || Providence (10-11)
O/U: The over/under opened at 144 (via Oddsshark.com)
Last Time They Met
Providence currently holds a 30-11 lead in what will be the 42nd matchup between the two schools. The two programs split the season series last year with DePaul winning the most recent matchup 80-63 last February.
What to Watch For
Battle on the boards
Both teams are close when it comes to rebounds per game, with DePaul barely having the edge at 38 per game. The team which is able to have an easier time controlling the boards will be able to adjust the tempo of the game to their likening. The two players to watch for will be Paul Reed and Alpha Diallo, as both lead their respective teams in RPG.
Standings shuffle
Both teams are really close in the standings with Providence having one fewer loss than the Blue Demons. A win by Dave Leitao’s team would put them right back in the thick of things in the Big East standings. As for the Blue Demons, they are inching closer and closer to a very successful season but they need a couple of more wins to make it official. A win against the Friars would put them at 12-9 and right in the middle of the pack of the conference standings.