Xavier vs. DePaul Pick and Prediction for Saturday January 3 2026
Use Code WWWC The Big East schedule continues as the Xavier Musketeers travel to Chicago to take on the DePaul Blue Demons at Wintrust Arena on Saturday at 2:00 PM ET.
Both teams are looking to shake off New Year's Eve losses. Xavier (9-5, 1-2 Big East) fell to No. 4 UConn, while DePaul (8-6, 0-3 Big East) dropped a close battle at Villanova. The Blue Demons return home on a three-game slide but historically play the Musketeers tough in Chicago. Find your winning ways with our free college basketball picks.
Musketeers looking for offensive rhythm
Under first-year head coach Rich Pitino, Xavier has established itself as one of the best passing teams in the country. The Musketeers lead the Big East in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.91) and rank 31st nationally with 18.6 assists per game. However, they are looking to rebound from a 90-67 loss to UConn where they struggled to find consistent scoring outside of their stars.
The offense is anchored by Tre Carroll, who leads the team with 16.0 PPG and is shooting a highly efficient 47.3% from the floor—ranking second among all Big East players. He is supported by Filip Borovićanin, a versatile forward who is nearly averaging a double-double and ranks fourth in the conference with 7.8 rebounds per game. When Xavier’s ball movement is working, they are capable of overwhelming opponents with their 9.5 made three-pointers per game.
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Defensively, the Musketeers have been vulnerable, allowing 75.1 PPG. They will need to tighten up their perimeter defense to prevent DePaul from finding its rhythm early in front of a home crowd.
Blue Demons hungry for first conference win
DePaul enters 2026 under the leadership of Chris Holtmann, who has revitalized a program that had its fair share of struggles last season. Despite the 0-3 start in Big East play, the Blue Demons have been competitive, especially at home where they hold a 6-3 record. Their recent loss to Villanova (71-66) showed a team that can defend at a high level, holding the Wildcats to just 34.5% shooting.
CJ Gunn is the primary catalyst for DePaul, averaging 13.9 PPG and coming off a 15-point, 7-rebound performance on New Year's Eve. He is flanked by Layden Blocker, who leads the team in assists (3.8 APG) and provides elite perimeter pressure. In the middle, NJ Benson (11.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG) offers a shot-blocking presence that will be vital in containing Xavier's Tre Carroll.
The key for DePaul will be their free-throw shooting. They've struggled at the line (68.9%) this season, which proved costly in their five-point loss to Villanova. In a game expected to be close, those points will be at a premium.
Spread pick for Xavier vs. DePaul
- DePaul ML (+105)
This is a "desperation" spot for the Blue Demons. Starting 0-4 in Big East play would be a massive blow to a team that showed real promise in the non-conference schedule. Xavier is 1-2 in the Big East and hasn't quite found their defensive identity under Pitino yet. With the home crowd behind them and a motivated CJ Gunn, expect DePaul to secure their first conference victory in a game that should be decided in the final two minutes.
Total pick for Xavier vs. DePaul
- Over 151.5 (-110)
Xavier plays at a top-50 tempo and moves the ball exceptionally well, while DePaul has shown they can score in bunches at Wintrust Arena. Both teams have defensive vulnerabilities—Xavier allows 75 PPG and DePaul has struggled to close out on three-point shooters. Given Xavier's high assist rate and DePaul's desire to push the tempo at home, this game has the makings of a high-scoring affair that clears the 151.5 mark.
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