The DePaul Blue Demons and the Xavier Musketeers meet Saturday in college basketball action from Cintas Center. DePaul is sitting at 9-17 overall this year. The Blue Demons lost to St. John’s on Tuesday in their last game. As for Xavier, they’re fresh off a Wednesday matchup versus Marquette. In that one the Musketeers lost a tough one by a single point. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
DePaul Blue Demons
DePaul finished under .500 through their first 20 games, going 8-12 overall. The Blue Demons have since hit a 1-7 run with losses to Providence, Georgetown, Marquette, UConn, Seton Hall, Villanova and St. John’s in succession following a January 18 win over Xavier.
On Tuesday versus St. John’s, the Demons gave away a 39-32 halftime lead and went to overtime. After two extra periods DePaul ended up losing 92-83. Javan Johnson was the top team scorer on 26 points and six rebounds.
Xavier Musketeers
Over on the Xavier side, they kicked off the year on a pretty solid 15-3 run through 18 games. The Musketeers went 4-3 over their next seven, beating Georgetown, UConn, Providence and St. John’s with losses otherwise to DePaul, Creighton and Butler.
Matched up against Marquette on Wednesday, the Musketeers held a 28-24 halftime edge. The Musketeers couldn’t hold it on a 45-40 second half though and lost 69-68. Souley Boum was the top scorer with 24 points and five rebounds.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m sticking with Xavier in this one. The last time these teams met up back on January 18 was the last time DePaul recorded a win. In that game, the Blue Demons posted a 45-40 edge during the first half and held on for a 73-72 victory at Wintrust Arena. Since then it’s been seven straight losses for DePaul, but if there’s good news the Blue Demons have been scoring well during that time. Xavier hasn’t lost as the home team since way back on November 25 versus Duke—a span of 10 straight victories. If Xavier can bounce back from their tough Wednesday loss, I don’t see the Blue Demons getting too close in this one.
