Depaul Blue Demons vs Wichita State Shockers Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

DePaul Seeks to Halt Skid in Tough Test Against Wichita State

After a blazing 7-0 start, DePaul finds itself facing adversity as tougher opponents have exposed areas for improvement. The Blue Demons (7-2) will look to bounce back from two consecutive losses when they host the Wichita State Shockers (8-1) on Saturday afternoon in Chicago.

DePaul’s Promising Start Hits a Bump

Under first-year head coach Chris Holtmann, DePaul entered the season with a revamped roster, eager to distance itself from last year’s dismal 3-29 campaign. The Blue Demons made the most of a soft early schedule, winning their first seven games. However, matchups against Texas Tech and Providence brought them back down to earth.

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DePaul struggled offensively in those losses, shooting just 37.1 percent from the field compared to 50.4 percent during their winning streak. Tuesday’s 70-63 overtime loss to Providence in their Big East opener highlighted the team’s need for greater consistency.

“I think (Tuesday) showed we can compete in the Big East, but that’s not good enough,” said forward David Skogman, who led the team with 22 points and six 3-pointers in the loss. “It’s just all about coming together and being more consistent.”

Skogman has been a bright spot, averaging 10.9 points per game and shooting an impressive 48.5 percent from beyond the arc. As a team, the Blue Demons shoot 39.1 percent from deep, a strength they will need to exploit against Wichita State’s stingy perimeter defense, which holds opponents to 29.7 percent from three.

Wichita State: Built to Battle

The Shockers, under head coach Paul Mills, bring a gritty, tough-minded approach to every game. At 8-1, Wichita State has proven its mettle with neutral-court victories over St. Louis and Minnesota and a season-opening road win at Western Kentucky.

Most recently, the Shockers posted a season-high 96 points on 54.7 percent shooting in a win over East Tennessee State. Forward Corey Washington delivered a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Justin Hill led the scoring with 20 points.

“This is a game that honors toughness,” Mills said. “We don’t expect you to win every fight, but we do expect you to fight every fight.”

Hill has been a key contributor, averaging 31 points in Wichita State’s lone true road game this season. However, his perimeter shooting has cooled off since then, as he’s gone just 7 of 34 from three in subsequent games.

Key Matchups

• David Skogman vs. Wichita State’s Defense: Skogman’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting will test Wichita State’s perimeter defense.
• Corey Washington vs. DePaul’s Frontcourt: Washington’s physicality and rebounding presence could challenge a DePaul squad still finding its footing in tougher matchups.
• DePaul’s Three-Point Attack vs. Wichita State’s Defense: The Blue Demons’ success hinges on their ability to shoot efficiently from beyond the arc against a Shockers team that has excelled in defending the perimeter.

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What to Watch

• DePaul’s Consistency: Can the Blue Demons maintain their offensive rhythm against a disciplined Wichita State defense?
• Wichita State’s Road Test: The Shockers’ only true road game this season resulted in a win. Will they bring the same intensity to Chicago?
• Holtmann’s Adjustments: How will DePaul’s first-year coach adapt after two losses against tougher competition?

Outlook

DePaul faces a tough challenge against a battle-tested Wichita State team that thrives on grit and toughness. For the Blue Demons to snap their skid, they’ll need a complete performance, especially on the offensive end. Wichita State, meanwhile, will look to continue its impressive start by controlling the pace and winning the battle inside. With both teams eager to prove themselves, expect a competitive and physical matchup.