What's Happening?
DePaul University is gearing up for its Big East schedule by hosting the University of Arkansas at Pine-Bluff (UAPB) in Chicago. DePaul, currently holding a 5-3 record, is set to face a challenging Big East lineup, starting with a road game against No. 23 St. John's and a home game against No. 5 UConn. The upcoming game against UAPB is crucial for DePaul to fine-tune its strategies. UAPB, with a 1-8 record, recently secured a narrow victory against UIC, marking their first nonconference road win over a Division I opponent since 2023. Quion Williams, a standout player for UAPB, has been instrumental in their recent success, averaging 14.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. DePaul's coach, Chris Holtmann, aims to address the team's
handling of physical play, a lesson learned from their recent loss to LSU.
Why It's Important?
This matchup is significant for DePaul as it provides an opportunity to refine their gameplay before entering the competitive Big East schedule. The performance against UAPB will help DePaul assess their readiness against top-tier teams like St. John's and UConn. For UAPB, the game represents a chance to build on their recent success and gain more experience against higher-ranked opponents. The outcome of this game could influence DePaul's confidence and strategy as they approach more formidable opponents in the Big East, impacting their overall season performance.
What's Next?
Following the game against UAPB, DePaul will focus on preparing for their Big East opener against St. John's. The team will likely analyze their performance to identify areas for improvement, particularly in handling physical play, as highlighted by their coach. UAPB will continue their road games, seeking to leverage their recent win to boost team morale and performance. Both teams will use this game as a stepping stone for their respective conference challenges.
