DePaul Battling Slump, Seton Leaning on Defense Amid Offensive Woes
DePaul Blue Demons vs Seton Hall Pirates: A Crucial Big East Clash
The Big East continues to deliver exciting matchups as two struggling programs, the DePaul Blue Demons and the Seton Hall Pirates, collide on Wednesday night at the Prudential Center in Newark. Both teams have faced challenges in recent weeks, but this game offers a chance for either squad to regain momentum in what has been a disappointing season so far. Seton Hall dominated last season’s series, sweeping both games, and will look to continue their dominance in this high-stakes conference showdown.
DePaul Blue Demons: Struggling to Find Their Groove
DePaul entered the 2024 season with great promise, riding a perfect 7-0 record into December. However, their fortunes have taken a dramatic turn for the worse, as they’ve gone just 2-6 since that hot start. A 44-point defeat at Villanova marked the beginning of their current slump, and DePaul has now lost four consecutive Big East games. Their recent struggles have been largely due to defensive inefficiencies and a lack of offensive production, particularly on the road.
The Blue Demons are currently allowing the most points per game (77.9) in the Big East and giving up the highest field goal percentage (46.3%). Their defense has been porous, and opponents have been capitalizing, especially from beyond the arc. DePaul has surrendered an average of 34.9% shooting from three-point range and allows 10.3 offensive rebounds per game. On the road, their opponents shoot an alarming 54.6% from the field, further highlighting the team’s struggles to defend efficiently.
Seton Hall Pirates: Defensive Strength Amid Offensive Struggles
Seton Hall enters Wednesday’s matchup on a five-game losing streak, with their most recent defeat coming at the hands of Xavier in a 22-point blowout. The Pirates have struggled mightily on the offensive end, averaging just 61.6 points per game (the fewest in the Big East), but they’ve been one of the toughest defensive teams in the conference.
Despite their offensive shortcomings, Seton Hall’s defense has kept them competitive. The Pirates are ranked 54th in the nation for adjusted defensive efficiency (per KenPom), allowing just 63.9 points per game. Their defense has been even more stifling at home, limiting opponents to only 57.6 points per game at the Prudential Center. Seton Hall is also strong at contesting shots, holding opponents to 43.9% shooting from the field and 33.8% from three-point range. The Pirates excel at forcing turnovers, averaging 14.1 per game, and have limited offensive rebounds to 7.8 per game—one of the best marks in the Big East.
Conclusion
This matchup will come down to which team can execute on defense and take advantage of the other’s weaknesses. Seton Hall’s defense, combined with their strong home-court advantage, gives them the edge in this one. However, DePaul’s ability to score quickly could keep the Pirates on their heels if they can find their shooting touch.
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