DePaul’s Big Night Against St. John’s
DePaul men’s basketball is back home at Wintrust Arena on Tuesday, February 3, to face No. 22 St. John’s starting at 7 p.m. CT. Noah Reed and Nick Bahe will cover the game on TV, while Zach Zaidman and Dave Corzine will be live on the DePaul Blue Demons Radio Network.
This game is special. Rod Strickland, one of the program’s all-time greats, will have his jersey retired during halftime. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free replica banner. Arrive early to enjoy a pregame show by the famous Red Panda.
Last Time Out
DePaul (12-10, 4-7 BIG EAST) is looking to capitalize on its recent performance after a competitive road series. They have won four straight at home, boosting their spirits for this matchup.
In their last game, CJ Gunn led with 19 points, including five three-pointers. Despite a strong effort, they lost to Xavier 68-66, with RJ Smith putting up a career-best eight assists without any turnovers.
Series History
St. John’s (16-5, 9-1 BIG EAST) holds a historical edge with a 35-22 record over DePaul, dating back to 1932. However, games in Chicago are closely contested; DePaul trails just 12-11 here. The Blue Demons are eager for their first victory against the Red Storm since 2022.
In their previous encounter in December, St. John’s defeated DePaul 79-66, even though DePaul had four players scoring in double digits, including a notable double-double from Kaleb Banks.
Scouting St. John’s
St. John’s returns to the national rankings after an impressive seven-game win streak. Notably, they remain perfect on the road this season (5-0). The team excels in free-throw attempts (26.3 per game) and grabs (13.9 offensive rebounds per game).
Zuby Ejiofor stands out, averaging 15.7 points and 7.4 rebounds, making him a key player in the BIG EAST. He also contributes two blocks per game, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Looking Ahead
After this home game, DePaul will travel to face Providence on Saturday, February 7, at 3 p.m. CT.
The Bigger Picture
As DePaul faces off against St. John’s, it’s interesting to note how team dynamics have shifted in the BIG EAST. According to recent stats, teams that successfully create turnovers have a significant edge over their opponents. DePaul needs to focus on defense and ball control to improve their chances for the remainder of the season.
In recent social media conversations, fans have expressed optimism about DePaul’s performance at home, highlighting the excitement surrounding Strickland’s recognition. “It’s a new era for DePaul basketball!” one user tweeted, reflecting the growing enthusiasm within the community.
For more insights into NCAA basketball trends and team statistics, check out NCAA.com for detailed analyses.
