Xavier Edges DePaul in Close Contest at Cintas Center
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Cintas Center
Xavier Musketeers 68, DePaul Blue Demons 66, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won DePaul Blue Demons vs Xavier Musketeers?
Xavier Musketeers beat DePaul Blue Demons 68-66 at Cintas Center on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in DePaul Blue Demons vs Xavier Musketeers?
Xavier Musketeers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Xavier Musketeers narrowly defeated the DePaul Blue Demons 68-66 at the Cintas Center. The win was crucial for Xavier, who had been struggling with a three-game losing streak prior to this game. Both teams entered the contest with identical records of 12-10, making the stakes particularly high as they sought to improve their standings in the NCAAB league.
Xavier's recent form had been concerning, with a record of 3-7 over their last ten games and an average of 77.6 points scored, while allowing 84.4 points per game. Their last five games showed a slight improvement in scoring, averaging 86.0 points but still conceding 85.4 points. The Musketeers had a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, indicating their struggle to capitalize on home advantage. In contrast, DePaul had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, averaging 67.6 points scored and 71.3 points allowed. Their recent form included a 2-3 record in the last five games, with an average of 69.6 points scored and 72.8 points allowed. Notably, DePaul had a strong home record of 4-1 but struggled significantly on the road, going 0-5 in their last five away games.
The two teams had met earlier in the season on January 3, 2026, where DePaul emerged victorious with an 86-77 win at home. Historically, Xavier had won two of the last three matchups between the teams, including a decisive 85-68 victory at home last season. This fixture was not only a battle for pride but also a chance for Xavier to even the score after their earlier loss to DePaul this season.
In terms of player contributions, the game saw significant scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Key moments included Tre Carroll making a 14-foot jumper to give DePaul a temporary lead and Filip Borovicanin's clutch shots that helped Xavier regain control in the closing minutes. The final moments were marked by a series of free throws and jump shots that ultimately sealed the win for Xavier. Borovicanin's performance was particularly impactful, as he scored crucial points in the second half, including an 11-foot turnaround jump shot that put Xavier ahead for good.
Injury concerns were not highlighted in the block, suggesting both teams were at full strength for this matchup. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Xavier favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 150.5. The odds indicated a competitive game, reflecting the close nature of the teams' performances leading up to this matchup.
The conditions at the Cintas Center were favorable for basketball, with a supportive home crowd that likely contributed to Xavier's ability to pull out a close victory. As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of resilience from both teams, with Xavier ultimately showcasing their ability to execute under pressure.
Overall, this matchup proved to be a thrilling encounter, with Xavier managing to halt their losing streak and secure a vital win against DePaul, who will look to regroup as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | XAV -4.5 | 150.5 o -112 / u -108 | DePaul Blue Demons +160 · Xavier Musketeers -192 |
Leaders
- PointsTre Carroll21Xavier Musketeers
- AssistsFilip Borovicanin4Xavier Musketeers
- ReboundsIsaiah Walker7Xavier Musketeers
- PointsCJ Gunn19DePaul Blue Demons
- AssistsRJ Smith8DePaul Blue Demons
- ReboundsNJ Benson8DePaul Blue Demons
Recent form
Xavier Musketeers
Last 10: 3-7Streak L377.6 scored · 84.4 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L68-86at Seton Hall PiratesJan 29
- L83-88vs St. John's Red StormJan 24
- L93-94at Creighton BluejaysJan 22
- W89-75vs Butler BulldogsJan 14
- W97-84vs Providence FriarsJan 10
- L65-66at Marquette Golden EaglesJan 8
- L77-86at DePaul Blue DemonsJan 3
- L67-90vs UConn HuskiesDec 31
- W80-77at Georgetown HoyasDec 21
- L57-98vs Creighton BluejaysDec 17
DePaul Blue Demons
Last 10: 4-6Streak L167.6 scored · 71.3 allowed per game0-5 away
- L61-70at Georgetown HoyasJan 29
- W67-60vs Seton Hall PiratesJan 24
- L80-87at Butler BulldogsJan 21
- W80-75vs Marquette Golden EaglesJan 17
- L60-72at UConn HuskiesJan 10
- W56-50vs Georgetown HoyasJan 7
- W86-77vs Xavier MusketeersJan 3
- L66-71at Villanova WildcatsDec 31
- L54-72vs UConn HuskiesDec 21
- L66-79at St. John's Red StormDec 17
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. John's | 30-7 | - | 18-2 |
| UConn | 34-6 | 1 | 17-3 |
| Villanova | 24-9 | 3 | 15-5 |
| Seton Hall | 21-12 | 8 | 10-10 |
| Creighton | 16-18 | 9 | 9-11 |
| DePaul | 16-16 | 10 | 8-12 |
| Butler | 16-16 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Providence | 15-18 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Marquette | 12-20 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Georgetown | 16-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
| Xavier | 15-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | DePaul Blue Demons | Xavier Musketeers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-59 | 23-50 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 8-24 | 6-17 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 35 |
| Free throws | 0-1 | 16-19 |
| Free throw % | 0 | 84 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 24 |
| Assists | 16 | 14 |
| Steals | 7 | 7 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 20 |
| Fouls | 13 | 9 |
| Largest lead | 18 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 93 | 2 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half35-27Tre Carroll makes layup (Roddie Anderson III assists)
- 1st Half35-30Malik Messina-Moore makes 26-foot three point jumper (Filip Borovicanin assists)
- 2nd Half37-30NJ Benson makes layup (RJ Smith assists)
- 2nd Half40-30Layden Blocker makes 23-foot three point jumper (NJ Benson assists)
- 2nd Half40-32Filip Borovicanin makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half42-32NJ Benson makes layup
- 2nd Half42-35Jovan Milicevic makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half44-35NJ Benson makes layup (CJ Gunn assists)
- 2nd Half44-37Tre Carroll makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-37CJ Gunn makes 22-foot three point jumper (RJ Smith assists)
- 2nd Half50-37CJ Gunn makes 24-foot three point jumper (RJ Smith assists)
- 2nd Half53-37CJ Gunn makes 26-foot three point jumper (RJ Smith assists)
- 2nd Half53-39Tre Carroll makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half55-39Layden Blocker makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half57-39NJ Benson makes 0-foot dunk
- 2nd Half57-41Filip Borovicanin makes driving layup (Malik Messina-Moore assists)
- 2nd Half57-42Malik Messina-Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-43Malik Messina-Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-44Filip Borovicanin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-45Filip Borovicanin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-45Fabián Flores makes 6-foot hook shot (Kruz McClure assists)
- 2nd Half61-45Layden Blocker makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-46Tre Carroll makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-47Tre Carroll makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-48Tre Carroll makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-49Tre Carroll makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-51All Wright makes layup (Jovan Milicevic assists)
- 2nd Half63-51CJ Gunn makes 15-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-53Tre Carroll makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half63-55Malik Messina-Moore makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Jovan Milicevic assists)
- 2nd Half63-56Filip Borovicanin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-57Filip Borovicanin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-59Tre Carroll makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-61Filip Borovicanin makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half63-62Tre Carroll makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-63Jovan Milicevic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-64Jovan Milicevic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-66Filip Borovicanin makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half66-66CJ Gunn makes 28-foot three point jumper (Layden Blocker assists)
- 2nd Half66-68Filip Borovicanin makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Xavier Musketeers, below favours DePaul Blue Demons.
Venue
- Cintas CenterCincinnati, OH
- Attendance9596
- OfficialsBrian O'Connell, Nathan Farrell, Peter Larson
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