Depaul Blue Demons vs Morgan State Bears Picks and Predictions December 9th 2025

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Game Preview: Morgan State @ DePaul

The DePaul Blue Demons aim to extend their winning form when they host the Morgan State Bears on Tuesday in Chicago. DePaul (6-3) is coming off a narrow win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff behind NJ Benson’s career-best performance, while Morgan State (1-7) enters on a six-game losing streak with recent near-comebacks falling short late. DePaul opened as a sizable home favorite with totals in the mid-140s. This nonconference matchup builds upon a busy Tuesday slate featured on the ScoresAndStats college basketball previews page.

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Odds and Key Information

DePaul opened around -15.5, with early sentiment leaning slightly toward the favorite after Benson’s breakout. The total opened near 147 and has hovered modestly upward, as Morgan State’s defensive inconsistencies have produced higher-scoring contests. Moneyline pricing remains heavily tilted toward the Blue Demons, while the Bears sit among the slate’s larger underdogs.

Coach Chris Holtmann expressed confidence in his group’s energy following the win but acknowledged shooting concerns, noting the team must improve perimeter execution. Morgan State coach Kevin Broadus emphasized the need for 40-minute consistency after repeated collapses during the final stretches of recent games.

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DePaul Outlook

NJ Benson continues developing into a marquee contributor, averaging 11.8 points and 24.4 minutes while showcasing elevated efficiency. His 26-point outing against Arkansas-Pine Bluff included 11-for-15 shooting and assertive interior play. Holtmann praised his vocal leadership, physicality, and urgency in establishing early touches. Benson’s activity provides DePaul a stabilizing frontcourt force.

The Blue Demons’ backcourt remains in flux due to Brandon Maclin’s shoulder injury. Holtmann noted that Maclin is progressing but still day-to-day. In his absence, freshman Kruz McClure has capitalized, scoring at least 17 points in consecutive games and posting all 17 in the second half Saturday. His aggression and free-throw creation have added important scoring depth as he works to refine defensive reads.

DePaul’s next step lies in improving shooting efficiency and generating consistent halfcourt spacing. Their rebounding and closeout effort have held steady, but offensive flow fluctuates based on guard production.

Morgan State Outlook

Morgan State enters at 1-7 but has shown flashes of competitiveness before losing grip late in games. The Bears’ most recent loss was an 84-80 home defeat to Longwood despite Elijah Davis’ 21-point effort. Earlier, they fell short in comeback attempts against Drexel, reflecting their struggle to complete full-game performances. Coach Kevin Broadus stressed the need to extend consistent play to 40 minutes rather than 30.

Despite their record, the Bears possess three double-figure scorers in Alfred Worrell Jr. (15.3), Davis (14.3), and Rob Lawson (13.1). Offensive talent is present, but depth and defensive breakdowns limit closing-time upside. Morgan State’s lone win came against a USCAA opponent, and they dropped their Big East test 87-70 at Georgetown earlier this season.

The Bears must limit turnovers, avoid early foul trouble, and improve late-game shot selection to challenge DePaul. Their ability to disrupt the Blue Demons’ spacing and counter Benson’s interior presence will determine whether they can remain competitive.

Key Matchup Table

Key FactorAdvantage
Interior ScoringDePaul
Backcourt Shot CreationDePaul
Defensive ConsistencyDePaul
Late-Game ExecutionDePaul
Three-Point VarianceMorgan State

Betting Trends

DePaul is 4-5 ATS and has performed best when establishing early paint touches and leveraging defensive pressure. Their totals have skewed toward the over thanks to improved offensive tempo. Morgan State is 2-6 ATS and often falls short in closing minutes, with defensive lapses creating high-possession, high-scoring environments. Overs have hit in several recent Bears games due to increased opponent efficiency late.

The programs split their previous two matchups, though they have not met since 2018. Current dynamics lean heavily toward DePaul in depth, efficiency, and defensive reliability. Market updates are available via the ScoresAndStats NCAAB odds page.

The Lean

DePaul’s combination of interior presence, improved backcourt scoring, and home-court stability provides a clear path to controlling this matchup. Morgan State’s trio of scorers can keep the offense afloat, but defensive consistency remains elusive, particularly against more physical frontcourts. Expect DePaul’s rebounding edge and Benson’s activity to create separation by the late stages.

Projected Score: DePaul 86, Morgan State 68
Best Bet: DePaul -15.5
Total Lean: Over 147

For additional Tuesday previews and matchup analytics, refer to the ScoresAndStats college basketball preview hub.

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