DePaul Tops Marquette in Close Contest at Wintrust Arena
Friday, January 16, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Wintrust Arena
DePaul Blue Demons 80, Marquette Golden Eagles 75, 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 Marquette Golden Eagles vs DePaul Blue Demons?
DePaul Blue Demons beat Marquette Golden Eagles 80-75 at Wintrust Arena on January 16, 2026.
Who was favored in Marquette Golden Eagles vs DePaul Blue Demons?
DePaul Blue Demons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the DePaul Blue Demons emerged victorious against the Marquette Golden Eagles, finishing with a score of 80-75 at Wintrust Arena. This game was significant not only for the immediate impact on the teams' standings but also because it marked DePaul's first win against Marquette in three meetings, having lost their previous two encounters in the 2025 season. The Blue Demons improved their home record to 12-7, while Marquette fell to 6-14 overall.
DePaul's recent form showed a mixed bag, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games. They had been struggling before this win, having lost their last game against the UConn Huskies on January 10, where they fell 60-72. Their scoring average in the last ten games was 68.0 points per game, while they allowed an average of 69.6 points. In contrast, Marquette's recent performance has been disappointing, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games and a current losing streak of two games. They averaged 67.9 points scored and 79.4 points allowed during this stretch.
At home, DePaul has performed better, boasting a record of 4-1 in their last five home games, averaging 64.4 points scored and allowing 68.4 points. Marquette, however, has struggled on the road, with an away record of 0-5 in their last five games, averaging 67.4 points scored and 77.0 points allowed.
The matchup also had implications in terms of betting, with DraftKings setting the spread at -2.5 for DePaul. The total for the game was set at 145.5, with over odds at -105.0 and under odds at -115.0. The moneyline was priced at -148.0 for DePaul and +124.0 for Marquette, indicating that DePaul was favored to win.
In terms of player performance, the game featured several key moments in the second half that helped seal DePaul's victory. Notably, CJ Gunn made crucial free throws, while Nigel James Jr. and Chase Ross contributed significantly with driving layups and three-pointers. The scoring plays in the second half showcased a back-and-forth battle, with Marquette attempting to close the gap but ultimately falling short.
The conditions at Wintrust Arena were conducive for a competitive game, with both teams looking to assert themselves. DePaul's home crowd provided a significant boost, which may have contributed to their ability to maintain composure in the final moments of the game.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the challenges both teams face as they navigate the season. DePaul's win not only improves their standing but also serves as a confidence booster after a series of mixed results. Meanwhile, Marquette will need to regroup and address their defensive struggles if they hope to turn their season around.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEP -2.5 | 145.5 o -105 / u -115 | Marquette Golden Eagles +124 · DePaul Blue Demons -148 |
Leaders
- PointsCJ Gunn31DePaul Blue Demons
- AssistsLayden Blocker8DePaul Blue Demons
- ReboundsCJ Gunn7DePaul Blue Demons
- PointsNigel James Jr.18Marquette Golden Eagles
- AssistsNigel James Jr.8Marquette Golden Eagles
- ReboundsCaedin Hamilton7Marquette Golden Eagles
Recent form
DePaul Blue Demons
Last 10: 5-5Streak L168 scored · 69.6 allowed per game4-1 at home
- 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
- W61-58at Wichita State ShockersDec 13
- W92-49vs Morgan State BearsDec 10
- W76-72vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsDec 7
- L63-96at LSU TigersNov 30
Marquette Golden Eagles
Last 10: 2-8Streak L267.9 scored · 79.4 allowed per game0-5 away
- L68-92at St. John's Red StormJan 13
- L73-76vs Villanova WildcatsJan 10
- W66-65vs Xavier MusketeersJan 8
- L57-73at UConn HuskiesJan 4
- L73-79vs Seton Hall PiratesDec 31
- L63-84at Creighton BluejaysDec 21
- L69-78vs Georgetown HoyasDec 18
- L59-79at Purdue BoilermakersDec 13
- L76-96at Wisconsin BadgersDec 6
- W75-72vs Valparaiso BeaconsDec 3
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 | Marquette Golden Eagles | DePaul Blue Demons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-60 | 31-65 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 12-29 | 11-24 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 46 |
| Free throws | 5-13 | 7-13 |
| Free throw % | 38 | 54 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 27 |
| Assists | 20 | 20 |
| Steals | 5 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 34 |
| Fouls | 16 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 50 | 46 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half41-31Damarius Owens makes 1-foot dunk (Royce Parham assists)
- 1st Half41-34CJ Gunn makes 25-foot three point jumper (RJ Smith assists)
- 1st Half44-34Damarius Owens makes 26-foot three point jumper (Nigel James Jr. assists)
- 1st Half44-36NJ Benson makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half44-38NJ Benson makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half44-41RJ Smith makes 24-foot three point jumper (CJ Gunn assists)
- 2nd Half44-44CJ Gunn makes 26-foot three point jumper (Brandon Maclin assists)
- 2nd Half44-46Brandon Maclin makes driving layup (Layden Blocker assists)
- 2nd Half44-47Brandon Maclin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half44-50CJ Gunn makes 23-foot three point jumper (Layden Blocker assists)
- 2nd Half45-50Caedin Hamilton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-50Caedin Hamilton makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half47-52Layden Blocker makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half47-55Brandon Maclin makes 25-foot three point jumper (RJ Smith assists)
- 2nd Half47-57Layden Blocker makes 0-foot dunk
- 2nd Half49-57Damarius Owens makes 1-foot dunk (Nigel James Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half52-57Royce Parham makes 29-foot three point jumper (Ben Gold assists)
- 2nd Half52-59Brandon Maclin makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half54-59Royce Parham makes driving layup (Nigel James Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half54-62Théo Pierre-Justin makes 27-foot three point jumper (Layden Blocker assists)
- 2nd Half55-62Damarius Owens makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-64NJ Benson makes 0-foot dunk (Layden Blocker assists)
- 2nd Half58-64Adrien Stevens makes 27-foot three pointer (Nigel James Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half58-66Brandon Maclin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-66Nigel James Jr. makes driving layup (Adrien Stevens assists)
- 2nd Half60-68NJ Benson makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Brandon Maclin assists)
- 2nd Half60-70NJ Benson makes driving layup (CJ Gunn assists)
- 2nd Half60-73RJ Smith makes 25-foot three point jumper (Layden Blocker assists)
- 2nd Half60-75CJ Gunn makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half62-75Royce Parham makes 2-foot dunk (Chase Ross assists)
- 2nd Half62-77CJ Gunn makes 2-foot dunk (RJ Smith assists)
- 2nd Half65-77Nigel James Jr. makes 27-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half65-78CJ Gunn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-78Nigel James Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-78Chase Ross makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot (Damarius Owens assists)
- 2nd Half70-78Chase Ross makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half73-78Nigel James Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Damarius Owens assists)
- 2nd Half73-79NJ Benson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-79Chase Ross makes driving layup
- 2nd Half75-80CJ Gunn makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours DePaul Blue Demons, below favours Marquette Golden Eagles.
Venue
- Wintrust ArenaChicago, IL
- Attendance7474
- OfficialsPaul Szelc, Greg Evans, Michael Palau
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Picks for NCAAB
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- DePaul Defeats Marquette in NCAAB ShowdownMar 1, 2026