DePaul Faces Tough Road Test Against Wichita State After Overtime Thriller
DePaul basketball is stepping into a defining moment of its non-conference season as the Blue Demons head to Wichita, Kansas, to take on a confident Wichita State team that is riding the momentum of an overtime win. This matchup is more than just another December game. It’s DePaul’s first true road test of the season, and it comes against a program that has turned its home court into a real advantage.
The Blue Demons arrive with a 7-3 record, having spent most of the early season either at home or on neutral floors. That comfort zone will now be left behind as they face a Wichita State squad that has been perfect at home so far. The Shockers sit at 6-4 overall and are coming off a gritty 74-69 overtime victory against Northern Iowa, a game that showed their ability to stay composed when things get tight.
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What stands out immediately is how contrasting strengths are expected to collide. DePaul has been productive offensively, averaging close to 80 points per game, which is well above what Wichita State typically allows. The Blue Demons have leaned on pace, ball pressure, and timely scoring, and their defense has quietly become a calling card. That was on full display in their last outing, when an opponent was held to just 20 percent shooting, one of the strongest defensive performances by any Big East team in years.
At the same time, Wichita State has been built around toughness and control. The Shockers have been efficient from the field, shooting over 45 percent as a team, and their rebounding has been a major factor. Opponents have been kept to just over 67 points per game, and second chances have often been limited by Wichita State’s physical presence inside. It’s a style that has served them well at home, where they’ve now won 17 of their last 23 games across two seasons.
Individually, there are plenty of storylines. Kenyon Giles has emerged as Wichita State’s offensive leader, consistently scoring in double figures and setting the tone. On the DePaul side, CJ Gunn and Layden Blocker have been key contributors, with Blocker also impacting the game as a playmaker and defender. DePaul’s ability to force turnovers could become a deciding factor, especially if the tempo starts to tilt in their favor.
History adds another layer to this matchup. DePaul holds a narrow edge in the all-time series and dominated the most recent meeting at home last season with a barrage of three-pointers. However, Wichita State has never lost to DePaul on its home floor, and that trend will be tested once again.
As tipoff approaches, this game feels like a measuring stick for both programs. For DePaul, it’s about proving that their early-season progress can travel. For Wichita State, it’s a chance to defend home court and build consistency. Either way, the stage is set for a physical, high-energy battle that should say a lot about where both teams truly stand.
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