(Photo by Bob Stevens)
By Tim Daniel
New York City-- After DePaul's upset win over Seton Hall, the Musketeers prepare for their Big East Opener against the Blue Demons. Tip-Off will be at 7 PM EST at Madison Square Garden. Xavier is currently favorite by (-12.5) with the O/U at 152.5.
The two teams split the season series, each team winning their home game in the season series. Let's preview the game by the numbers.
DePaul (10-22, 3-17 in Conference play):
According to KenPom, DePaul is 140th in the country in offensive efficiency at 107.2 and 172nd in defensive efficiency at 105.3. One thing about DePaul though, is the Blue Demons are 36th in the country at 3 point percentage at 36.5%.
Projected starters: Umoja Gibson (Sr 6-1,175) Caleb Murphy (Jr 6-4, 185), Javan Johnson (Sr 6-6, 198), Eral Penn (Sr 6-6, 201), Nick Ongenda (Sr 6-11, 230). DePaul is coached by Tony Stubblefield in his second season with the program.
Xavier (23-8, 15-5 in Conference play):
Xavier checks in the KenPom rankings at 8th overall in offense at a 120.8 rate and 81st defensively at 100.5. Xavier is 9th in the country at effective field goal percentage at a 56.3 rate and 4th in the country at 3-point shooting at 39.8.
Projected starters: Souley Boum (Sr 6-3, 175), Adam Kunkel (Sr 6-4, 185), Colby Jones (Jr 6-6, 205), Jerome Hunter (Sr 6-8, 215), Jack Nunge (Sr 7-0, 245). Xavier is coached by Sean Miller, leading the Musketeers into the Big East Tournament for the first time as Xavier's head coach.
The Winner of the game will go on to face the winner of the Villanova vs Creighton Quarterfinal in the semi-finals tomorrow night.
