The DePaul Blue Demons, with a current standing of 10-11 and a commendable 5-3 in Big East conference play, are gearing up to face the Butler Bulldogs, who are holding a 12-9 record but struggling with a 2-6 standing in the Big East, this Sunday in Indianapolis. Scheduled for a 2 p.m. EST tip-off, this matchup promises to be a pivotal conference clash that could shift dynamics within the league.
The Butler Bulldogs have shown resilience at home with an 8-3 record, although they've faced challenges in tight games, faltering with a 0-2 record in games decided by less than four points. In stark contrast, the Blue Demons have struggled against tougher opponents, achieving only a 3-9 record against teams with a record above .500.
Three-point shooting efficiency stands out as a key area to watch, with Butler averaging 6.6 made three-pointers per game. This statistic is slightly higher than the 6.0 threes per game the Blue Demons typically allow. Meanwhile, DePaul's overall shooting accuracy from the field is a concern, standing at 38.4%, which is considerably lower than the 42.1% scoring efficiency Butler concedes to their rivals.
This game marks the first encounter between these two teams in the Big East conference this season, raising the stakes for both sides eager to establish dominance.
Key Performers to Watch:
Kilyn McGuff emerges as a formidable force for the Bulldogs, contributing 11.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Sydney Jaynes has also been essential for Butler, scoring an average of 9.7 points and securing 3.6 rebounds in her last ten appearances.
On the DePaul side, Jorie Allen has been a standout asset, averaging an impressive 18.8 points, six rebounds, four assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Taylor Johnson-Matthews also drives the Blue Demons' efforts with an average of 16.6 points over the last ten games, showcasing her consistent scoring ability.
Recent Forms:
The Bulldogs have navigated a tough path with a 3-7 record in their last ten games. They've averaged 59 points per game while shooting 40.3% from the field, managing to narrowly outscore their opponents, who average 58.2 points against them.
DePaul, meanwhile, shows a more positive trend, winning six out of their last ten outings. They average 63.9 points and 31.7 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 39.8% from the field. However, they tend to allow their opponents to score an average of 64.9 points, hinting at defensive lapses that need addressing.
As both teams look to capitalize on their strengths while addressing respective vulnerabilities, Sunday's clash will be a battle of wit and willpower. Fans can expect a thrilling spectacle as these collegiate teams vie for supremacy in the competitive realm of the Big East conference.