The Georgetown University Hoyas and DePaul University Blue Demons are set to face off at Madison Square Garden, a neutral site, in a pivotal matchup with significant implications for the Big East conference tournament. With both teams firmly out of contention for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid, their sole focus is on positioning themselves for a deep run in the conference tournament, where they can still secure an automatic bid to the postseason. Georgetown and DePaul, hereafter referred to as the Hoyas and Blue Demons, respectively, enter this contest with recent forms that suggest a closely contested affair.
As the Hoyas and Blue Demons take to the court, the small margins that separate these evenly matched teams will be on full display. The model prediction of a virtual deadlock, with a narrow 51.2% win probability in favor of the Hoyas, underscores the notion that this game is very much up for grabs. With the Hoyas looking to build on their recent victory over Providence and the Blue Demons seeking to bounce back from a loss to Butler, the intensity and desperation that often characterize conference tournament play will be palpable in this matchup. The outcome of this game will have a direct impact on the teams' seeding and momentum heading into the conference tournament, making it a compelling and high-stakes contest for fans and observers alike.
Averaging 14.9 points per game, KJ Lewis has been the team's leading scorer, with his 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game making him a crucial all-around contributor. The team's recent form has been inconsistent, as evidenced by their last five games, which include a narrow 80-79 win over Providence, but also losses to St. John's, Xavier, Marquette, and Seton Hall. His 14.9 points per game are complemented by 's 13.7 points per game, as well as his team-high 4.2 assists per game. With a record of 14-17, including 6-14 in the Big East, Georgetown is looking to bounce back from these losses.
The team's frontcourt has been bolstered by 's 11.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, while and have provided additional scoring punch, each averaging 9.1 points per game. His 45% three-point shooting has been a notable aspect of Malik Mack's game, but the team as a whole has struggled with consistency. Given their recent losses, including a 69-72 defeat at St. John's and a 60-76 loss to Marquette, Georgetown will need to rely on the scoring abilities of KJ Lewis, Malik Mack, and Vince Iwuchukwu to propel them to a win against DePaul.
Averaging 13.3 points per game, has been a key contributor to DePaul's offense, while his 3.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game demonstrate his all-around abilities. The team's leading scorer has been supported by , whose 7.6 rebounds per game lead the team, and , who has provided 3.4 assists per game. With a record of 16-15, DePaul has shown inconsistency, particularly in their recent games, having lost to Butler and Villanova in their last two outings.
His 45% three-point shooting is a notable aspect of Layden Blocker's game, and alongside , who averages 10.8 points per game, they form a formidable duo. has also played a significant role, with his 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. Having won two of their last five games, including a 62-51 victory at Marquette, DePaul will look to build on these positive results as they face Georgetown, despite struggling against top-tier opponents, with a 1-5 record in Quad 1 games.
Key Matchups
The matchup between Georgetown's Vince Iwuchukwu and DePaul's NJ Benson will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this game. Iwuchukwu, with his 11.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, will face a significant challenge in containing Benson, who averages 7.6 rebounds per game. Benson's ability to control the boards and create second-chance opportunities for DePaul could be a decisive factor, and Iwuchukwu's defensive prowess will be tested in this head-to-head battle.
If Iwuchukwu can manage to limit Benson's rebounding advantage and keep him in check, Georgetown may be able to dictate the pace of the game and create scoring opportunities for their guards. Conversely, if Benson is able to dominate the glass and create easy scoring chances for DePaul, it could be a long night for the Georgetown defense. The outcome of this individual matchup will have a significant impact on the team's overall performance, making it a crucial aspect to watch in this game.
CHD Scout Prediction
Georgetown
72
DePaul
72
The model's numbers suggest a virtual toss-up, with Georgetown holding a narrow 51.2% win probability. I disagree with this assessment, and instead believe DePaul will emerge victorious. The primary reason for this prediction is the slight disparity in overall record between the two teams, with DePaul boasting a 16-15 mark compared to Georgetown's 14-17. This difference, albeit small, indicates that DePaul has demonstrated a slightly higher level of consistency and performance over the course of the season, which I believe will be enough to tip the scales in their favor in this neutral-site matchup.
Tournament Stakes
As the regular season winds down, both Georgetown and DePaul are jockeying for position in the Big East standings, with an eye towards the conference tournament. A win for either team would not only bolster their chances of securing a favorable seed, but also provide a much-needed boost in momentum heading into the postseason. For Georgetown, a victory would help them climb the conference ladder, potentially avoiding a first-round matchup against a top-tier opponent. Conversely, DePaul is looking to solidify its position in the middle of the pack, where a single game can be the difference between a relatively manageable tournament path and a daunting one. With neither team having impressed against Quad 1 opponents, and this game being categorized as Quad 2 for DePaul and Quad 3 for Georgetown, the outcome will have significant implications for their conference tournament trajectories, and ultimately, the reality is that only one of these programs will be playing meaningful basketball in March.