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Game Preview Stonehill @ DePaul
The Stonehill Skyhawks visit the DePaul Blue Demons on Friday night at Wintrust Arena, where DePaul looks to build on its dominant opener while keeping focus sharp against a lower-division foe.
DePaul opened its season with a 92-62 rout of Chicago State, led by NJ Benson’s 16 points and 10 rebounds and Layden Blocker’s 16-point performance. The Blue Demons also got a spark from sophomore Theo Pierre-Justin, who delivered 12 points and five rebounds off the bench in an energetic showing that underscored DePaul’s growing depth.
Head coach Chris Holtmann praised his team’s effort but emphasized the need to avoid complacency: early blowouts can create lapses in discipline and shot selection. With Big East play ahead, Holtmann wants his team focused on consistent execution — both in half-court sets and transition defense.
Stonehill, meanwhile, enters the matchup coming off a 100-48 thrashing of Thomas College. The Skyhawks saw 55 points from their bench and a career-high 19 from forward Pearse McGuinn, while Holy Cross transfer William Batchelder hit all four of his three-point attempts in an efficient debut.
Stonehill’s offensive rhythm and spacing could challenge DePaul’s perimeter defense early, but depth and physicality favor the Blue Demons. For live movement updates and team trends, visit the college basketball odds and scores board.
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Odds and Key Information
DePaul enters as a 21.5-point favorite, with a total set at 146.5. Both teams opened the season with blowout victories, suggesting a fast-paced matchup.
| Key Betting Line | Value |
|---|---|
| Spread | DePaul -21.5 (-118) |
| Moneyline | DePaul -3000 / Stonehill +1300 |
| Total | 146.5 O/U |
| Venue | Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL |
| Time | 8:00 PM ET (ESPN+) |
Learn how to interpret big spreads like this one with what does the spread mean in betting and handicap in betting.
DePaul Outlook
The Blue Demons’ opener showcased their balance and intensity. Benson and Blocker combined for 32 points, while Pierre-Justin’s improved confidence provided a spark off the bench. Holtmann’s offense operated efficiently, shooting 50 percent from the field and scoring 92 points on 72 possessions.
Defensively, DePaul forced 17 turnovers and limited Chicago State to 36 percent shooting. The rebounding edge (+12) and consistent second-chance scoring defined their dominance in the paint.
The challenge against Stonehill will be maintaining composure and avoiding slow starts or sloppy sequences — habits that can emerge in mismatched games. If DePaul controls tempo and protects the ball, it should comfortably extend its home winning streak.
These early-season adjustments mirror the variance management strategies explained in sports betting strategies to win big.
Stonehill Outlook
Stonehill is still defining its Division I identity but opened the season in impressive fashion. The Skyhawks scored 100 points and shot 56 percent from the floor in their win, with McGuinn and Batchelder combining for 34 points. Their 55 bench points demonstrated rotational depth and offensive flexibility.
Coach Chris Kraus’ group plays with pace and energy, attempting to space the floor and rely on perimeter shooting. Their 10-of-21 performance from beyond the arc highlighted their shooting confidence, but turnovers (14) and inconsistent interior defense remain question marks.
Against DePaul, Stonehill’s challenge will be sustaining offensive flow against a more athletic, physical opponent. The Skyhawks will need to slow tempo slightly, value each possession, and stay aggressive from deep.
For more context on high-variance matchups like this, check alternate total points for line correlation insights.
Key Matchup Table
| Statistical Category | Edge |
|---|---|
| Field Goal % | Stonehill (56.2%) |
| 3PT Shooting | Stonehill (47.6%) |
| Rebounding Margin | DePaul (+12) |
| Turnovers Forced | DePaul (17 per game) |
| Bench Scoring | Even (Both 50+ in opener) |
DePaul’s athleticism gives it control on the glass, while Stonehill’s perimeter efficiency could keep the first half competitive.
Betting Trends
DePaul is 1-0 straight up and ATS this season after easily covering against Chicago State. The Blue Demons have covered four of their last five home nonconference games, usually in fast-paced environments where the over hits more than 60 percent of the time.
Stonehill is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games as a road underdog, often keeping contests close early thanks to hot shooting. However, they’ve gone under in six of their last nine road games when facing Power Six defenses.
For additional context, review what is a moneyline in betting and futures betting pros and cons.
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Prediction
DePaul’s superior talent and rebounding should carry them to another convincing win, but expect Stonehill’s perimeter shooting to help them stay within the spread for much of the night. The Blue Demons’ bench could see extended minutes again as Holtmann manages rotations.
Projected Score: DePaul 95, Stonehill 80
Spread Pick: Stonehill +21.5
Total Lean: Over 146.5
DePaul’s scoring pace and Stonehill’s three-point shooting profile both favor the over. However, the Skyhawks’ backdoor potential makes them an appealing underdog pick to cover late.
Why You Need Expert Picks
Early-season mismatches can create hidden line inefficiencies. The Handicappers Leaderboard highlights proven experts tracking tempo, injuries, and pace splits for college hoops.
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