The Providence Friars are set to take on the DePaul Blue Devils in a crucial non-conference matchup, with both teams desperately seeking quality wins to bolster their tournament resumes. Over their last five games, DePaul has struggled mightily, averaging a mere 65.4 points per game while allowing a staggering 73.4 points per contest, resulting in a dismal 1-4 record during that stretch. In their most recent outing, DePaul fell to Georgetown by a margin of 9 points, 70-61, highlighting their ongoing scoring woes. Conversely, Providence has been scoring at a torrid pace, averaging 81.8 points per game over their last five contests, albeit while also allowing 82.4 points per game, resulting in a 2-3 record. Their most recent game saw them drop a 14-point decision to Villanova, 87-73.
Providence's recent form has been marked by high-scoring affairs, with their last five games featuring an average combined score of 164.2 points per contest. This trend is likely to continue against DePaul, who has struggled to contain opposing offenses, allowing 73.4 points per game over their last five outings. The Friars' ability to score in bunches, with 97 points against Butler and 90 points against DePaul in their previous meeting, will undoubtedly test the Blue Devils' defensive mettle. DePaul's recent struggles can be attributed to their inability to score consistently, with their highest output over the last five games being 72 points in a narrow win over Creighton. With Providence averaging 81.8 points per game over their last five contests, DePaul must find a way to slow down the Friars' offense if they hope to emerge victorious.
Key Matchups
The individual matchups in this game matters, particularly the battle between DePaul's top scorers and Providence's defense. The Friars have struggled to contain opposing guards, and DePaul's backcourt want to exploit this weakness. Meanwhile, Providence's high-powered offense will face a DePaul defense that has been vulnerable to scoring runs. The Friars' recent hot streak, which includes a 90-point outburst against DePaul in their previous meeting, will be put to the test against a Blue Devils team desperate to turn their fortunes around. With DePaul averaging a mere 65.4 points per game over their last five outings, they will need their top players to step up and provide a spark on offense.
As the game approaches, it's clear that both teams are in dire need of a quality win to bolster their tournament resumes. DePaul's recent slide, which has seen them lose four of their last five games, has dropped them to 13-12 on the season, while Providence's inconsistent form has left them at 11-15. The Friars' 2-3 record over their last five games is a reflection of their struggles, with their only wins coming against DePaul and Butler. With both teams struggling to find consistency, this game will be a crucial test of their mettle. DePaul's 1-4 record over their last five games is a stark contrast to their earlier form, which saw them win five of their first seven conference games. Meanwhile, Providence's 2-3 record over their last five outings is a microcosm of their season, which has been marked by inconsistency.
CHD Scout Prediction
Providence
80
DePaul
79
The CHD Scout prediction has Providence emerging victorious by a slim 0.5-point margin, with DePaul holding a 48.2% win probability. This prediction is likely due to Providence's high-powered offense, which has averaged 81.8 points per game over their last five contests. DePaul's struggles to contain opposing offenses, allowing 73.4 points per game over their last five outings, will undoubtedly be tested by the Friars' potent attack. Furthermore, Providence's recent win over DePaul, 90-72, will give them a psychological edge heading into this matchup. However, DePaul's desperation to turn their season around and bolster their tournament resume may provide them with the motivation needed to pull off an upset.
The margin between these two teams is razor-thin, with the prediction reflecting the closely contested nature of their previous meeting. DePaul's narrow win over Creighton, 72-71, and their subsequent loss to Georgetown, 70-61, demonstrate their inconsistency, while Providence's wins over DePaul and Butler showcase their ability to score in bunches. As the game approaches, it's clear that both teams must bring their A-game if they hope to emerge victorious. With the Friars averaging 81.8 points per game over their last five contests, they want to continue their high-scoring ways against a DePaul team that has struggled to contain opposing offenses. Conversely, DePaul must find a way to slow down Providence's potent attack if they hope to pull off the upset.
Tournament Stakes
A win for either team would be a significant boost to their tournament resume, particularly for DePaul, who are in dire need of quality wins to bolster their chances of making the postseason. The Blue Devils' 0-5 record in Quad 1 games is a major concern, and a win over Providence would be a crucial step in addressing this issue. Meanwhile, Providence's 1-9 record in Quad 1 games makes this matchup a must-win if they hope to keep their tournament hopes alive. The Friars' recent wins over DePaul and Butler have given them a glimmer of hope, but they must continue to accumulate quality wins if they hope to make a push for the postseason. With both teams struggling to find consistency, this game will be a crucial test of their mettle, and the winner will take a significant step forward in their pursuit of a tournament berth.
As the game approaches, it's clear that both teams are facing a make-or-break moment in their seasons. DePaul's 13-12 record and Providence's 11-15 mark demonstrate the fine line between success and failure in college basketball. With the margin between a tournament berth and a postseason absence often coming down to a single game, this matchup takes on added significance. The winner will not only gain a crucial win but also a much-needed confidence boost, while the loser will be left to ponder what could have been. As the two teams take to the court, they will be acutely aware of the stakes, and the intensity will undoubtedly be palpable. With DePaul averaging a mere 65.4 points per game over their last five outings, they must find a way to score consistently against a Providence team that has been vulnerable to defensive lapses. Conversely, the Friars want to continue their high-scoring ways, with their 81.8 points per game average over their last five contests making them a formidable opponent.