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DePaul vs. Duquesne Preview: Blue Demons Look to Stay Perfect
Matchup: DePaul Blue Demons (3-0) vs. Duquesne Dukes (0-2)
When: Friday night
Where: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL
The DePaul Blue Demons are off to a hot start this season, winning their first three games under new head coach Chris Holtmann. However, the team knows they can’t afford to get complacent as they prepare to face a tough test against the Duquesne Dukes, a 2024 NCAA Tournament team.
DePaul’s Momentum Under Holtmann
The Blue Demons have been firing on all cylinders to open the season, securing back-to-back wins by at least 30 points for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. Most recently, DePaul routed Mercer 95-64 on Monday, with NJ Benson leading the way with 15 points. JJ Traynor also contributed a strong effort off the bench, recording a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
CJ Gunn, a junior guard who transferred from Indiana, emphasized the importance of staying grounded despite the strong start:
“We’re going to keep taking it day by day, as if it was the first game of the season,” Gunn said. “We have to stay level-headed and go into every game well-prepared.”
The chemistry is clearly building for DePaul, as they look increasingly comfortable with each game. Holtmann’s focus on defense and discipline has already paid dividends, with the team showing improved cohesion on both ends of the court.
Duquesne’s Struggles and Resilience
On the other side, the Duquesne Dukes are still searching for their first win of the season after close losses to Lipscomb and Princeton. In both games, the Dukes were competitive but couldn’t close the gap in crunch time.
New head coach Dru Joyce III, who took over after Keith Dambrot’s retirement, is navigating some early-season growing pains. The Dukes led Princeton by three points with just over four minutes left in their most recent game but eventually fell 75-68.
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Kareem Rozier has been a bright spot, leading Duquesne with 14 points against Princeton, while Jahsean Corbett came close to a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. Joyce remains optimistic about his team’s ability to learn from their early setbacks:
“We’ve been challenged by two really good teams that are picked to win their league,” Joyce said. “Within that, you gain some scars and resilience. It’s all part of the process.”
Keys to the Game
- DePaul’s Offensive Depth: With multiple players scoring in double figures and a deep bench, the Blue Demons have shown they can get contributions from anywhere on the floor. Duquesne will need to find a way to slow down DePaul’s balanced attack.
- Duquesne’s Late-Game Execution: The Dukes have been competitive but have struggled to close out games. If they find themselves in a tight contest against DePaul, they’ll need to improve their execution in the final minutes to have a chance.
- Battle on the Boards: JJ Traynor’s double-double against Mercer showed DePaul’s capability in the rebounding department. Duquesne, led by Corbett, will need to match DePaul’s intensity on the glass to limit second-chance opportunities.
Prediction
DePaul comes into this game with momentum, confidence, and the benefit of home-court advantage. Meanwhile, Duquesne is still trying to find its footing under a new coach. If the Blue Demons can continue their efficient offensive play and maintain their defensive intensity, they should be able to handle the Dukes.
