DePaul close to breaking through in Big East ahead of hosting Xavier

Field Level Media|published: Fri 10th January, 17:22 2025

Jan 4, 2025; Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA; DePaul Blue Demons forward Troy D'Amico (0) controls the ball against the Villanova Wildcats in the first half at William B. Finneran Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

DePaul encountered further Big East frustration this week, yet it still produced a bright spot.

That's what those are called, right?

The Blue Demons certainly hope so as they prepare to host Xavier on Saturday in Chicago after Troy D'Amico's encouraging effort Wednesday night.

D'Amico swished four treys while scoring a season-best 18 points in an 85-80 overtime loss at Seton Hall. The Southern Illinois transfer entered the game with just 15 points in his past five contests.

"Even when I don't score a lot, points are not my deciding factor in whether I have a good game or not," D'Amico said. "But for sure, after a game (like this), it's going to help my confidence."

DePaul (9-7, 0-5 Big East) and Xavier (9-7, 1-4) both could use a shot of pride in league play.

DePaul appeared on the verge of snapping a Big East regular-season losing streak that now stands at 37 consecutive games dating to Jan. 18, 2023 -- a 73-72 win against Xavier.

The Blue Demons rolled to a 15-point halftime lead Wednesday at Seton Hall, extended the advantage to 19 after the break and led by 11 with 4:12 to play before faltering down the stretch in an overtime loss.

Xavier has lost five of six and is coming off Tuesday's 82-72 home loss to St. John's, which Musketeers coach Sean Miller called "our low point" of the season.

After yielding 20 offensive rebounds to the Red Storm, improving toughness on the glass will be a focus for the Musketeers. That may include tweaking the rotation.

"It's about making sure that what we're doing every day maters he most and playing the right guys," Miller said. "Not allowing guys who don't play with great effort to have the role that they currently have."

Xavier also wants to help some key contributors get well on offense.

While top scorer Zach Freemantle had 22 points against St. John's, second-leading scorer Ryan Conwell managed just nine on 1-for-10 shooting from the floor. Conwell is 3-for-15 from deep over the past two games.

Xavier has won four straight in the series.

--Field Level Media