After snapping their two game losing streak, the DePaul Blue Demons finally took it to Chris Holtmanns former school, Gardner Webb. The Blue Demons won 93 to 62. They should have won that game by 40, but covering the 22.5 point spread also works. Detroit Mercy, on the other hand, is still searching for their first win of the season against a division one opponent. They have lost three straight. Their lone win came against Cleary, where they won 92 to 54. Do the Titans have a chance tonight? Anything is possible.
Keep Your Foot on the Gas
DePaul enters as a 20.5 point favorite this evening. I was able to snag the opening number of 16.5. Do not worry, I still endorse the 20.5. This should be another spot where DePaul goes all out. They have no reason to look ahead to their game on Friday against Georgia Tech in Destin, Florida for the Emerald Coast Classic.
After losing to Buffalo and Northwestern, DePaul can not afford to ease up. They have a fairly easy schedule until they go to Wichita State on December 13, then they are in New York taking on St. Johns. Following that, they host UConn, then go to Villanova before the new year.
Detroit Mercy is currently ranked No. 309 on Bart Torvik, where they have one of the worst offenses in college basketball. They are 25th in three-point percentage, eFG% offense, and free throw rate. On the other end, they struggle with sending teams to the line and they struggle defending the interior and perimeter, ranked in the upper 280s.
DePaul has been great at forcing fouls and getting to the line, but they struggle with making those foul shots. However, Holtmann has made a point to get the guys into Wintrust Arena to get their shots up. I think as the season progresses, their free throw shooting should improve. Again, why are they not practicing at their home arena? Makes no sense. I digress.
The Blue Demons have been running at a much slower pace this season. Haslametrics ranks them 205 in pace, while Detroit Mercy is ranked 102. If DePaul can force the Titans to run at their slower pace, it should throw off Detroit Mercy's rhythm in this game.
With a much tougher schedule ahead, DePaul has no reason to take its foot off the gas. They have already suffered an embarrassing loss to a team inside the 300s and can not afford another blemish. This is a chance to build real momentum, sharpen their identity, and head into a difficult stretch with confidence. They should steamroll the Titans at home this evening.
Sko Mons.
