The DePaul Blue Demons are gearing up to take on the Georgetown Hoyas this Friday night, January 17, 2025, at the Capital One Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM ET and broadcast on CBS Sports Network. This Big East showdown holds considerable significance for both teams, albeit from different perspectives.
Georgetown enters the game with promising momentum, sitting at 12-5 overall and holding a 3-3 conference record, following some tough competition. Their recent performance included a narrow 63-58 overtime defeat to St. John’s on Tuesday, demonstrating their competitive spirit. Conversely, DePaul has found itself wrestling with inconsistency, currently at 9-9 for the season and struggling with a painful 0-7 mark against Big East rivals.
Despite the challenges, DePaul has shown signs of improvement under coach Chris Holtmann, highlighted by recent performances. Most notable was their recent heart-wrenching 85-83 overtime loss to Marquette, where they almost pulled off a significant upset. Coach Holtmann described the team's resilience, asserting, “This thing is going to get turned around. I promise you... it's going to get turned and I promise you.”
Key players for DePaul include Jacob Meyer, who leads with 13.9 points per game, and C.J. Gunn, who has recently emerged as a scoring threat, registering 21 points against Marquette. Isaiah Rivera’s backcourt performance is also pivotal as he averaged 20 points during the last outing. The Blue Demons have consistently demonstrated scoring prowess, averaging 77.3 points per game with decent shooting percentages, yet their defensive struggles persist, allowing 74.1 points per game against their adversaries.
On the other hand, Georgetown’s recent record contrasts sharply, having sustained losses against marquis teams such as UConn and Marquette. Key players for the Hoyas include freshman Thomas Sorber, who averages 14.2 points and 8.6 rebounds, displaying considerable promise. Micah Peavy is another notable contributor, constantly putting up strong numbers, evidenced by his 21 points against St. John’s. Coach Ed Cooley’s strategic emphasis on solid defense has paid off, with the Hoyas allowing only 63.9 points per game across the conference, ranking them among the best defensive teams.
The Hoyas have built success on their formidable defense, which has frequently stifled opponents. They thrive on forcing turnovers, boasting the best scoring defense record within the Big East, but have also struggled with ball control, averaging 13.8 turnovers per game. This statistic has been highlighted by Cooley as the team’s Achilles' heel, stating, "The turnover conundrum is something we have to address.”
Statistics show DePaul finding some traction offensively after struggling early on, with Holtmann emphasizing the team's adaptability and willingness to improve each outing. They've managed to push their assist totals up, reflecting beneficial ball movement, and they accomplished 22 assists during their last game, showcasing their collaborative offensive play.
The matchup detail shows Georgetown as 9-point favorites, spotlighting the disparity between their current records. Historically, the two teams have faced each other evenly, with both teams holding five wins each since March 2019. Recent predictions forecast Georgetown as the likely winners, thanks to greater home court advantage and overall stronger season performance up until now.
Players’ matchups will play significant roles, particularly focusing on who can effectively control the paint. For DePaul, NJ Benson’s rebounding and shot-blocking highlight their inside game, but they will be tested against Sorber's defensive capabilities. An equally compelling battle ensues on the perimeter, where both teams will need to find and integrate their shooting contributors effectively.
Overall, speculation surrounds whether DePaul can turn around their season with this pivotal game. Deep-rooted losses have not deterred the team, but converting close games to victories is undoubtedly the next step. While Georgetown ponders their plans for the postseason, DePaul seeks to regain confidence and potentially redeem themselves on the road.
This game could be more than just another Big East battle; it presents DePaul with the opportunity to redefine their campaign. Will they end their dreadful streak of away game losses or continue the downward spiral? Fans eagerly await the concluding results of this exciting matchup.
Catch the action live on CBS Sports Network or via the CBS Sports app with commentators providing all the insights and thrills of the game. Let the rivalry rekindle and see who emerges victorious under the bright lights of Capital One Arena!