DePaul Blue Demons Face Cincinnati in College Basketball Crown Opener

In an exciting turn of events, the DePaul Blue Demons men’s basketball team is gearing up for its first postseason appearance in five years.

Following a strong finish to their season, DePaul will compete in the inaugural College Basketball Crown. They are set to face off against the Cincinnati Bearcats on April 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

This pivotal game marks a significant milestone for DePaul, as they aim to advance further in the tournament and continue their impressive run.

Table of Contents

DePaul’s Road to the Postseason

The Blue Demons have demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill in the latter part of their season, winning three of their last four games.

Their victories against Providence and Georgetown, coupled with another win against the Hoyas in the BIG EAST Tournament, have set the stage for their postseason journey.

Notably, DePaul pushed second-seeded Creighton to double overtime in the BIG EAST Tournament Quarterfinals, showcasing their tenacity and competitive spirit.

Key Players and Team Performance

One of the standout performances came from Layden Blocker, who scored a career-high 25 points in the game against Creighton.

The team’s overall shooting has been impressive, with DePaul averaging 51.3 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from three-point range in their last four games.

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Additionally, the Blue Demons have set a new school record with 309 three-pointers this season and rank fourth in program history for single-season assists with 518.

Historical Context and Coaching Milestones

DePaul’s participation in the College Basketball Crown is particularly noteworthy as it marks their first postseason appearance since the 2019 College Basketball Invitational (CBI), where they reached the finals.

Prior to that, their last postseason appearance was in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in 2007.

This achievement is also significant for head coach Chris Holtmann, who becomes the first DePaul coach to reach the postseason in his first season since 2002-03.

Holtmann’s postseason record stands at 7-8, highlighting his experience and capability in leading the team through high-stakes games.

Renewing an Old Rivalry

The upcoming game against Cincinnati rekindles a historic rivalry, as both teams previously competed in the BIG EAST and Conference USA together.

This will be their first meeting since 2013, with DePaul seeking their first win against the Bearcats since 2009.

The renewal of this rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the matchup.

Scouting the Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati enters the College Basketball Crown with an 18-15 record, following a second-round loss to Iowa State in the Big 12 Tournament.

The Bearcats have faced challenges in recent games, losing four of their last five contests. However, their overall performance in the conference, with a 7-13 record, reflects their competitive edge.

Head coach Wes Miller, in his fourth season, has led the team to an 81-58 record during his tenure, underscoring his leadership and strategic acumen.

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Defensive Prowess and Key Players

One of Cincinnati’s strengths lies in their defensive capabilities. The Bearcats have held opponents to an average of 65.7 points per game this season, ranking 26th nationally.

Additionally, they lead the Big 12 in committing the fewest fouls per game, averaging 13.9.

Jizzle James emerges as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 12.8 points per game and 3.6 assists per contest, making him a crucial player to watch in the upcoming game.

Anticipation and Expectations

The inaugural College Basketball Crown presents a unique opportunity for both DePaul and Cincinnati to showcase their talents on a national stage.

For DePaul, this tournament is a chance to build on their recent successes and continue their momentum.

The Blue Demons’ strong finish to the season and their record-breaking performances highlight their potential to make a deep run in the tournament.

Strategic Considerations

As DePaul prepares to face Cincinnati, several strategic considerations come into play.

The Blue Demons’ high shooting percentages and record-breaking three-pointers will be critical against Cincinnati’s formidable defense.

Additionally, maintaining their recent scoring average of 78.8 points per game will be essential to outpacing the Bearcats.

On the defensive end, DePaul will need to focus on containing Jizzle James and disrupting Cincinnati’s offensive rhythm.

The Road Ahead

Should DePaul emerge victorious against Cincinnati, they will advance to play the winner of the UCF/Oregon State matchup on April 3.

This potential game presents another opportunity for DePaul to demonstrate their growth and resilience.

Each game in the College Basketball Crown serves as a stepping stone for the Blue Demons, offering valuable experience and exposure.

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Fan Support and Community Impact

The support of DePaul’s fans and the broader community will play a vital role in the team’s postseason journey.

The excitement surrounding the inaugural College Basketball Crown and DePaul’s participation has galvanized the fan base, creating a sense of unity and pride.

The team’s success not only reflects their hard work and dedication but also brings positive attention to the university and its athletic program.

Conclusion

As the DePaul Blue Demons prepare for their first postseason appearance in five years, the stage is set for an exhilarating and competitive tournament.

The inaugural College Basketball Crown offers a platform for DePaul to showcase their talents, renew historic rivalries, and potentially achieve new milestones.

With strong performances from key players, strategic planning, and unwavering fan support, the Blue Demons are poised to make a significant impact in the tournament.

To stay updated on DePaul’s progress and game results, visit their official [news page](https://depaulbluedemons.com/news/2025/3/31/mens-basketball-depaul-opens-action-at-inaugural-college-basketball-crown).

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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