Prepare for an electrifying Big East clash as the DePaul Blue Demons take on the Georgetown Hoyas at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC tonight. This matchup promises intensity, with both teams eager to prove themselves. DePaul is determined to end its winless streak in conference play, while Georgetown looks to bounce back from recent setbacks.
Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM ET
Arena: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
The stakes are high, and the energy will be palpable as these teams square off. Can DePaul finally break through in the Big East, or will Georgetown defend its home court and find its rhythm? Let’s dive into the analysis and uncover what makes this game so intriguing.
Current Form and Key Storylines
Georgetown Hoyas: Reclaiming Momentum
The Georgetown Hoyas (12-5, 3-3 Big East) are experiencing a rocky stretch after starting conference play on a high note. They opened with three consecutive victories but have since faced tougher competition, dropping three straight games. These losses include matchups against two ranked opponents—Marquette and UConn—and a disappointing defeat to St. John’s after surrendering a 15-point lead.
One glaring issue for the Hoyas has been turnovers. Georgetown averages 13.8 turnovers per game, the highest in the Big East. Head coach Ed Cooley has emphasized the need to address these errors, as they’ve proven costly in critical moments.
Notable Player Updates:
- Jayden Epps: The junior guard and Georgetown’s leading scorer (13.2 PPG) made his return from injury against St. John’s but was limited to 10 minutes and just four points. Epps’ availability and performance will be crucial to Georgetown’s success.
- Micah Peavy: Peavy stepped up in Epps’ absence, scoring 21 points against St. John’s. However, he also contributed to the team’s turnover woes, highlighting an area of concern for the Hoyas.
DePaul Blue Demons: Searching for a Breakthrough
The DePaul Blue Demons (9-9, 0-7 Big East) remain winless in conference play, extending their Big East losing streak to 39 games. Despite this, the Blue Demons have shown flashes of competitiveness. Three of their conference losses have come in overtime, including a hard-fought 85-83 defeat against Marquette earlier this week.
First-year head coach Chris Holtmann has been optimistic despite the struggles, confidently stating that his program is on the path to improvement. Players like CJ Gunn and Conor Enright have kept the team competitive, but DePaul must find a way to close out games.
Notable Player Updates:
- CJ Gunn: The sophomore guard has been a consistent scorer for DePaul, averaging 11.2 points per game. He tallied 21 points against Marquette, showcasing his scoring ability.
- Conor Enright: Enright leads the Big East with 6.9 assists per game and recently recorded his first career double-double (11 points, 11 assists). His playmaking will be critical in breaking down Georgetown’s defense.
Statistical Matchup
Team Averages (2024-25 Season):
| Category | Georgetown | DePaul |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 74.8 | 71.3 |
| Points Allowed | 68.5 | 74.2 |
| Turnovers Per Game | 13.8 | 12.1 |
| Field Goal % | 45.1% | 43.8% |
| 3-Point % | 36.7% | 34.5% |
Georgetown has a slight edge in offensive production, while DePaul struggles defensively, allowing more than 74 points per game. Both teams are prone to turnovers, which could lead to an up-tempo, high-scoring game.
Why the Over 142 Total Points is the Right Pick
Based on team statistics, recent trends, and prediction models, this game has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair. Here’s why the total score is likely to exceed 142 points:
1. Offensive Potential on Both Sides
- Georgetown’s offense averages nearly 75 points per game, and DePaul’s defense has struggled to contain opponents, allowing 74.2 points per game.
- DePaul’s recent games in conference play have frequently reached or exceeded this total, including an 85-83 overtime game against Marquette.
2. Defensive Vulnerabilities
- Both teams have shown weaknesses defensively. DePaul’s inability to close games is reflected in its high points allowed, while Georgetown’s turnover issues can lead to easy transition baskets for opponents.
- The combination of offensive talent and defensive lapses suggests a back-and-forth game with plenty of scoring opportunities.
3. Recent Trends
- DePaul’s last five games have averaged over 145 total points, while Georgetown’s high-scoring potential, even in losses, keeps them competitive.
- Overtime games have been a theme for DePaul, and while predicting overtime is uncertain, the possibility adds to the likelihood of a high-scoring outcome.
Predicted Scores from Five NCAA BB Prediction Models
Using some of the most reliable prediction models in NCAA basketball, here are the projected scores for this matchup:
- Pythagorean Expectation Model: Georgetown 77, DePaul 71 (Total: 148)
- KenPom Ratings: Georgetown 79, DePaul 68 (Total: 147)
- TeamRankings Predictor: Georgetown 75, DePaul 72 (Total: 147)
- Haslametrics Model: Georgetown 76, DePaul 70 (Total: 146)
- Bart Torvik T-Rank: Georgetown 78, DePaul 69 (Total: 147)
All five models project totals exceeding 142 points, aligning with the analysis that this game will feature plenty of scoring.
Final Thoughts: A Thrilling Big East Battle
This game promises excitement as both teams fight to change their trajectories in Big East play. Georgetown’s home-court advantage and Jayden Epps’ return give them an edge, but DePaul’s resilience and playmakers like Gunn and Enright make them a formidable opponent. Expect an intense, fast-paced game with plenty of scoring opportunities on both sides.
With the potential for offensive fireworks and defensive struggles, the over 142 total points is a confident pick for this matchup. Be sure to tune in Friday night for what promises to be an unforgettable clash in Washington.
PICK: over 142 total points
