12/14 1:00 PM CBB (825) ILLINOIS STATE at (826) DEPAUL
FREE PICK: (825) ILLINOIS STATE +2
I’ve enjoyed some success in games involving DePaul already this season, and I’ll be looking to try and beat the Blue Demons today.
Illinois State is a rather unimposing 4-3 thus far. But the Redbirds have played pretty well for the most part. They let a big early lead vanish in a loss to Utah State, but the other two defeats were narrow ones to quality opponents in Seton Hall and VCU. They’re not what I’d call outstanding at anything, but Illinois State has not real liabilities, either.
DePaul is good hit, no field. The Blue Demons can put the ball in the basket. But as usual DePaul plays defense like it’s a foreign concept, and that makes winning difficult anytime the shots aren’t falling with as much regularity as usual.
This game therefore fits one of my preferred tendencies, which is to take points with better defensive underdogs. I also favor Illinois State from a situational standpoint. The Redbirds have enjoyed a full week of prep for this in-state duel. The Blue Demons are limping back to Chicago after getting drilled a few nights back at George Washington.
DePaul probably qualified as a bit of an early season surprise, most notably off the impressive win over Stanford. But that was a terrific spot for the Blue Demons and I didn’t suddenly upgrade them off that nice victory.
This is still the same DePaul team I’m used to seeing. On their good nights they can be a handful but focus and fundamentals have been an ongoing problem for the Blue Demons throughout the Oliver Purnell regime.
Illinois State is not a worldbeater, but they’re the better team here and it’s a decent enough spot. I’ll opt to take the available points and will side with the Redbirds.
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