The DePaul Blue Demons pulled off a stunning 69-57 upset over the Seton Hall Pirates at the Prudential Center, a result that sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, particularly given the 59-spot difference in NET rankings between the two teams, with DePaul sitting at 109 and Seton Hall at 50. This victory marked a significant turnaround for DePaul, which had been struggling in its last 5 games, averaging just 65.4 points per game while allowing 73.4 points, resulting in a 1-4 record during that stretch. In contrast, Seton Hall had been on a relatively stable path, averaging 69.4 points per game and allowing 68.2 points, with a 3-2 record in its last 5 games. The 12-point margin of victory was a far cry from the predicted 9-point win for Seton Hall, highlighting the unpredictability of this matchup.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that DePaul's strategy was to contain Seton Hall's high-powered offense, which had been averaging 69.4 points per game over its last 5 outings. DePaul's defense held strong, limiting Seton Hall to just 35 points in the first half and 22 in the second, a significant departure from Seton Hall's recent form. On the other hand, DePaul's offense, led by NJ Benson's 21 points and 8 rebounds, managed to find its rhythm, scoring 33 points in the first half and 36 in the second. This performance was a notable improvement for DePaul, which had been averaging just 65.4 points per game over its last 5 games. The Pirates, meanwhile, were unable to find their footing, with Adam Clark's 19 points and 5 assists being a rare bright spot in an otherwise lackluster performance.
Beyond the numbers, it was evident that DePaul's NJ Benson was the catalyst for his team's success, hitting several big shots and providing a much-needed spark on the defensive end. CJ Gunn, with 18 points and 7 rebounds, also played a crucial role, using his quickness and agility to outmaneuver Seton Hall's defenders. For Seton Hall, Adam Clark's performance was notable, but the team's overall lack of cohesion and inability to adjust to DePaul's defensive strategy ultimately was its downfall. AJ Staton-McCray and Tajuan Simpkins, who scored 13 and 12 points respectively, were unable to replicate their recent form, with both players struggling to find their rhythm in the face of DePaul's stifling defense.
The CHD Scout's prediction of a 9-point Seton Hall win now seems like a distant memory, as DePaul's dominant performance rendered those projections meaningless.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The disparity between the predicted and actual outcomes can be attributed to DePaul's ability to contain Seton Hall's offense, which had been averaging 69.4 points per game over its last 5 outings. Seton Hall's recent trend of outscoring its opponents by an average of 1.2 points per game was also bucked, as DePaul's defense held strong throughout the game. The model likely underestimated DePaul's defensive capabilities and overestimated Seton Hall's ability to adapt to its opponent's strategy, highlighting the importance of considering recent form and trends when making predictions.
As the dust settles on this upset, it's clear that DePaul's win has real consequences for both teams' tournament prospects. With this victory, DePaul improves to 14-12 on the season, while Seton Hall falls to 18-9. The loss is particularly damaging for Seton Hall, which had been trending upwards in recent weeks, with wins over Butler and Marquette. This defeat may raise questions about the Pirates' ability to perform under pressure, particularly given their recent trend of struggling against teams with a strong defensive presence.
The impact of this game on the tournament picture is significant, particularly for DePaul. With this win, the Blue Demons may have played themselves onto the bubble, albeit still on the outside looking in. The victory over a top-50 team in Seton Hall is a significant resume-booster, and DePaul's quad 1 win may be enough to garner some attention from the selection committee. For Seton Hall, the loss is a setback, but the Pirates' overall body of work should still keep them safely in the tournament field. However, this defeat may have implications for their seeding, particularly if they are unable to bounce back with a strong performance in their next game. The Pirates' recent trend of struggling against teams with a strong defensive presence may also be a cause for concern, as they prepare to face a tough schedule in the coming weeks.