| MATCHUP | Xavier Muskateers | DePaul Blue Demons |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 9-5 | 8-6 |
| Spread | +2.5 -105 | -2.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +124 | -148 |
| Total | Over 146.5 (-110) | Under 146.5 (-110) |
| Where | Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL | |
| When | Saturday, January 3, 2026 | |
| Time | 02:00 PM EST | |
| TV | FS1 | |
DePaul Blue Demons Preview
DePaul Blue Demons have an 8-6 record this season and are in 10th place in the Big East Conference. They have a 6-3 home record and are coming off a 71-66 away loss against Villanova. Their previous three games were a 72-54 home loss against Connecticut, a 79-66 away loss against St. John’s and a 61-58 away win against Wichita State.
Offensively, DePaul averages 74.1 points per game, while allowing 69.1 points per game defensively. The Blue Demons shoot with 45% from the field and grab 34.1 rebounds per game, while dishing out 16.0 assists per game. They average 3.6 blocks per game and 6.9 steals per game defensively.
CJ Gunn leads DePaul in scoring, with an average of 13.9 points per game, while shooting with 45.5% from the field and 76.2% from the free throw line. NJ Benson is the team’s leading rebounder with 6.4 per game, while Layden Blocker adds a team-high 3.7 assists per game.
Xavier Musketeers Preview
Xavier Musketeers have a 9-5 record this season and are tied for 7th place in the Big East Conference. They have a 1-1 away record and are coming off a 90-67 home loss against Connecticut. Their previous three games were an 80-77 away win against Georgetown, a 98-57 home loss against Creighton and a 75-57 home win against Missouri State.
Offensively, Xavier averages 76.1 points per game, while allowing 75.1 points per game defensively. The Musketeers shoot with 42% from the field and grab 35.6 rebounds per game, while dishing out 18.6 assists per game. They average 4.0 blocks per game and 7.1 steals per game defensively.
Tre Carroll leads Xavier in scoring, with an average of 16.0 points per game, while shooting with 47.3% from the field and 58.8% from the free throw line. Filip Borovicanin is the team’s leading rebounder with 7.8 per game, while Filip Borovicanin also leads the team with 4.3 assists per game.
Xavier Musketeers @ DePaul Blue Demons Betting Trends: January 3, 2026
Why the DePaul Blue Demons will win
- DePaul has won seven of its last eight day games at Wintrust Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Xavier has lost three of its last four games against Conference opponents.
- DePaul has won the first half in four of its last five games at Wintrust Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Xavier Musketeers will win
- Xavier has won 18 of its last 19 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- DePaul has lost 23 of its last 24 Saturday games against Conference opponents.
- Xavier has won the first half in 15 of its last 16 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Xavier vs DePaul Prediction
In this Xavier vs DePaul Prediction, DePaul is coming as -2.5 home favorites. Both teams have similar overall records this season but DePaul has been strong at home, while Xavier has been mediocre on the road. DePaul has three consecutive losses but is 4-1 against the spread in its last 5 games and have a superior defense, allowing six points less than Xavier. I like the value with the home favorite in this matchup, so take DePaul and lay the points.