What's Happening?
The DePaul Blue Demons secured an 86-77 victory over the Xavier Musketeers on January 3, 2026. CJ Gunn led DePaul with 22 points and six rebounds, while Layden Blocker added 18 points. The game was closely contested, with DePaul leading 40-37 at halftime. A key layup by Brandon Maclin in the second half gave DePaul the lead for good. Xavier's Tre Carroll contributed 17 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome DePaul's offensive efforts.
Why It's Important?
This win is significant for DePaul as it improves their record to 9-6 and 1-3 in the Big East Conference. The victory provides a morale boost and could help the team build momentum in their conference play. For Xavier, the loss highlights the need for adjustments, particularly in defense and closing out games.
The outcome of this game could influence both teams' strategies and standings in the competitive Big East Conference.
What's Next?
DePaul will look to capitalize on this victory as they continue their Big East schedule, aiming to improve their conference record. Xavier will need to address their defensive issues and find ways to secure wins in future matchups. Both teams face challenging opponents in the coming weeks, which will be crucial for their postseason aspirations.
