Xavier vs. DePaul: Game preview, prediction, TV schedule

The Xavier Musketeers follow a road scare with a trip back home to take on the DePaul Blue Demons in a Big East matchup.

TV Schedule: Saturday, December 30, 2:00 pm E.T., FS1

Arena: Cintas Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

In an exciting night of Big East basketball, arguably no game was more dramatic than Xavier’s contest at Marquette. In a high-scoring affair, the Musketeers barely survived the Golden Eagles, 91-87.

After a few days of rest, Xavier is back at it, this time at home against a much less-heralded opponent in the DePaul Blue Demons.

The AP No. 6 team has had close calls in recent games, winning by single digits against Eastern Tennessee State, Marshall, and now Marquette. They’re one of the nation’s best scoring teams at 87.2 points per game but are forced into shootouts due to a middle defense.

DePaul became a comforting opponent for the Musketeers last year. Xavier dropped six straight Big East games last year. Their last victory before the losing streak and first two victories after the slide were against the Blue Demons. All of those wins were by exactly 11 points.

Xavier may be playing in close games, but they only have one loss this season; an emerging Arizona State team trounced the Musketeers on a neutral court back in November.

Having a senior star in Trevon Bluiett – who averages 20 points per game – makes life much easier for Xavier. Senior J.P. Macura has seen his scoring slip this season, though; he’ll need to step up for the Musketeers to reign supreme in the Big East.

DePaul is in the midst of another tough season. They can look towards next year, though, when Max Strus could make a claim for the All-Big East team. He scored 20 points to go along with nine rebounds and six assists in Wednesday’s loss to Villanova.

Next: 5 questions for Big East play

The Blue Demons are bound to be exhausted, playing the No. 1 and No. 6 team over the course of four days. DePaul’s loss is Xavier’s gain.

Prediction: Xavier 90, DePaul 71