Marquette vs DePaul Prediction 1/16/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The DePaul Blue Demons and the Marquette Golden Eagles will meet on Friday night in a Big East matchup at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Preview

The Marquette Golden Eagles enter Friday evening’s contest with a 6–12 overall win-loss record, including a 1–6 mark in conference play and an 0-5 record on the road. The Golden Eagles have compiled wins over Albany, Southern, Little Rock, Valparaiso and the Central Michigan Chippewas while dropping games to Indiana, Maryland, Dayton, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and the Purdue Boilermakers. In the Marquette Golden Eagles thrilling 75-72 overtime victory over the Valparaiso Beacons earlier this season, Marquette guard Nigel James Jr. tallied 21 points (7 of 16 shooting from the field), 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals illustrating his ability to lead the backcourt.

The Marquette Golden Eagles are averaging 74.3 points per game on 40.7 percent shooting from the field and 30.1 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Defensively, the Golden Eagles are allowing opponents 77.2 points per game.

Sophomore guard Chase Ross has been the team’s offensive anchor, averaging 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Freshman guard Nigel James Jr. provides further backcourt depth averaging 13.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. Forward Royce Parham adds interior balance with 9.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest.

DePaul Blue Demons Betting Preview

The DePaul Blue Demons enter Friday’s contest with a 10–7 record, including a 2-4 mark in conference play and an 8-3 record at home. The Blue Demons have amassed wins over Georgetown, Xavier, Morgan State and the Wichita State Shockers, while dropping games to Connecticut, LSU, Northwestern and the Buffalo Bulls. More recently, in the DePaul Blue Demons 56-50 win over the Georgetown Hoyas nine days ago, DePaul forward NJ Benson accumulated 9 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks.

The DePaul Blue Demons average 72.9 points on 44.6 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. The Blue Demons are allowing opponents 68.6 points which ranks 45th in the country.

Senior guard CJ Gunn leads the DePaul Blue Demons averaging 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Junior guard Layden Blocker is averaging 11.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists per contest. Senior forward NJ Benson averages 10.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1 block per game.

Why the Marquette Golden Eagles will win

• Enhanced motivation. The Marquette Golden Eagles have lost eight of the team’s last nine games played this season.

• Guard play. Sophomore guard Chase Ross is averaging 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game

• Offensive edge. The Golden Eagles are averaging 74.3 points per game. Conversely, the Blue Demons are averaging 72.9 points per contest.

Why the DePaul Blue Demons will win

• Home court advantage. DePaul is 8–3 at home this season.

• Defensive strength. The Blue Demons are allowing opponents 68.6 points which ranks 45th in the country.

• Balanced guard play. CJ Gunn and Layden Blocker provide consistent backcourt production.

Marquette Golden Eagles vs. DePaul Blue Demons Prediction

This matchup features a DePaul team that has been strong defensively and reliable at home against a Marquette Golden Eagles team that has struggled to find consistency all season. DePaul’s defensive efficiency, home‑court performance, and ability to limit opponent shooting give them a statistical edge. Marquette’s perimeter shooting should keep them competitive, but their defensive volatility and recent form present challenges on the road. With that said, I am backing the DePaul Blue Demons to win this game and cover the 3.5 points.

Hans Geevers's Pick: DePaul -3.5