In a tightly contested matchup at Wintrust Arena, Providence edged out DePaul 71-68, securing a three-point victory. The Friars' resilience in the first half paid off, as they took a 38-35 lead into the break, setting the stage for a closely fought second half. The Blue Demons' 33-point second half was not enough to overcome the deficit, as Providence maintained its narrow lead.
The final margin, a mere three points, underscores the parity between these two teams, with Providence's 83rd-ranked NET squad outlasting DePaul's 102nd-ranked counterpart. While the Blue Demons' offense found some rhythm in the second half, the Friars' defense proved more stingy, ultimately securing the win.
Jaylin Sellers led the Friars in scoring, pouring in 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. His efficient shooting and rebounding of six boards were key contributors to Providence's victory. Sellers' ability to score in the paint and stretch the defense with his three-point range proved to be a formidable challenge for DePaul.
Jason Edwards and Stefan Vaaks also played significant roles in the Friars' win. Edwards chipped in 17 points, grabbing four rebounds and dishing out six assists. His well-rounded game and ability to distribute the ball effectively helped Providence maintain a lead throughout the contest. Vaaks, meanwhile, scored 14 points, making 4-of-6 three-point attempts, and converting both of his free throw attempts. His hot shooting from beyond the arc helped Providence stay ahead of DePaul down the stretch.
NJ Benson's performance was a mixed bag, as his 19 points and 10 rebounds were impressive, but ultimately not enough to secure a win for DePaul. His efficiency at the free throw line, where he made 5 of 8 attempts, was a notable aspect of his game. However, it was his inability to elevate his teammates that may have contributed to the Blue Demons' narrow loss.
Brandon Maclin's well-rounded stat line, which included 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, was a bright spot for DePaul. However, his shooting percentages from the field and beyond the arc were a concern, as he converted just 4 of 12 field goal attempts and 1 of 3 three-point attempts. CJ Gunn's 13 points were a solid contribution, but his shooting woes, particularly from three-point range, where he made just 1 of 9 attempts, may have hindered his team's chances.
The rest of the Providence roster and the DePaul team as a whole generally stayed within the parameters of their season averages.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The pre-game prediction, which favored DePaul by a narrow margin, proved to be a misstep. In the end, Providence emerged victorious, defying the model's expectations. The Blue Demons' struggles from beyond the arc and on the glass ultimately contributed to their downfall. DePaul's 3-point shooting, which has been a strength throughout the season, was particularly off, converting at just 23.1% of its attempts - a far cry from its season average of 32.6%.
Providence's dominance in the paint and on the glass was the decisive factor in the game. The Friars' 59.2% effective field goal percentage, a marked improvement over their season average, was a testament to their ability to assert themselves on the interior. Moreover, their 36.0% rebounding rate, a season high, allowed them to control the tempo and limit DePaul's second-chance opportunities, ultimately securing their three-point victory.
The win for Providence is a crucial addition to their NCAA Tournament resume, as it marks their second Quad 2 victory, bringing their overall Quad 2 record to 2-6. This improvement in non-conference strength will likely help the Friars secure a lower seed in the tournament, potentially a 12 or 13 seed. Meanwhile, the loss for DePaul is a setback for their NCAA Tournament hopes, as it drops their Quad 2 record to 3-5, a subpar mark for a team seeking a top 10 seed. DePaul's NET ranking has taken a hit, and a loss in their final non-conference game will only add to their concerns about securing a favorable seed in the tournament. This result all but eliminates DePaul from the conversation for a 5 seed.