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The Xavier Musketeers play host to the DePaul Blue Demons on Saturday afternoon in a Big East clash from the Cintas Center. The Blue Demons sit near the bottom of the Big East standings and Xavier near the top, though with DePaul having sprung the upset when these two first met last month, this has the potential to be an interesting rematch. DePaul hasn't won a game since that win against DePaul, while Xavier has lost a pair of games coming into this one. DePaul has actually won two in a row and three of the last four in the series, as the Musketeers know they have to flip the script.
DePaul has taken a step back this season and while they ride a seven-game losing streak into this one, they at least have some confidence in that they've already beaten Xavier this season. Beyond just this season, DePaul has had their number over the last few meetings and that is sure to be a factor in this one. Going on the road expects to mark trouble though, especially as they have just a 2-9 record in true road games this season. The Cintas Center is one of the toughest places for visitors in the Big East and there's little doubt that DePaul will have its work cut out for them in this one. With Butler up next at home, an upset in this one could go a long way toward getting some momentum brewing as March approaches.
DePaul has a pair of injuries and a suspension to worry about as they hit the road on the weekend. Ahamad Bynum (suspension) will definitely be out as he continues to serve his January suspensio n. Beyond him, Yor Anei (hamstring) and Zion Cruz (undisclosed) are both questionable. Both Anei and Cruz have served as nice depth pieces this season and their absences could have an impact on how the rematch goes.
all about the history and tradition. #BlueGrit ???? pic.twitter.com/mLTi4QLsqh
— DePaul Basketball (@DePaulHoops) February 12, 2023
DePaul ranks near the bottom in a number of categories on both sides of the ball but their defense figures to have the most trouble on Saturday. Xavier has one of the country's most efficient offenses and with the struggles on the perimeter and frontcourt having plagued DePaul's defense all season, that side of the ball is what they'll need to replicate from the first meeting. One advantage will be the three-point shot. The Blue Demons are top 100 nationally when it comes to three-point percentage and with Xavier struggling to run shooters off of the three-point line, this could be a difference-maker. Umoja Gibson (16.2 ppg) and Javan Johnson (15.0 ppg) remain a strong drop but with little depth to turn too, can they find a third scorer to help them keep pace with the Musketeers on the road.
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