Providence Friars Defeat DePaul Blue Demons 71-68
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8:15 PM ET · Wintrust Arena
Providence Friars 71, DePaul Blue Demons 68, 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 Providence Friars vs DePaul Blue Demons?
Providence Friars beat DePaul Blue Demons 71-68 at Wintrust Arena on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Providence Friars vs DePaul Blue Demons?
DePaul Blue Demons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested game, the Providence Friars edged out the DePaul Blue Demons with a final score of 71-68 at the Wintrust Arena on February 22, 2026. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it featured two teams with contrasting recent performances, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. The Friars, who came into the game with a record of 12-15, were looking to break a two-game losing streak, while the Blue Demons, boasting a 14-13 record, were riding a two-game winning streak.
The recent form of both teams highlighted their respective challenges. DePaul had a mixed record of 4-6 in their last ten games, averaging 68.3 points scored per game while allowing 71.8 points. Their last five games reflected a slight dip in scoring, averaging 67.0 points while conceding 70.8. In contrast, Providence had struggled, recording a 3-7 record over their last ten games, with a high scoring average of 84.7 but also allowing 86.1 points per game. Their recent form indicated a defensive vulnerability, as they averaged 81.8 points scored and 82.4 points allowed over their last five games.
At home, DePaul had a record of 3-1 in their last four games, while Providence struggled on the road with an away record of 0-4. This dynamic added an extra layer of intrigue, as DePaul aimed to leverage their home advantage against a Providence team that had not fared well away from home.
The two teams had met previously in the season, with Providence defeating DePaul 90-72 in their last encounter on February 7, 2026. Historically, the matchup had been competitive, with Providence leading the head-to-head record 2-1 over the last three meetings. This context heightened the stakes, as DePaul sought to avenge their earlier loss.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant players missing from either roster, which allowed both teams to field their strongest lineups. This factor contributed to the intensity of the game, as both teams were at full strength.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had DePaul favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 152.5. The odds reflected the close nature of the matchup, indicating that both teams were viewed as having a fair chance to win.
As the game unfolded, the scoring was tightly contested. Providence managed to pull ahead in the second half, with key plays from Brandon Maclin and RJ Smith contributing to their lead. Maclin's free throws and a crucial three-pointer from Stefan Vaaks helped the Friars maintain their edge late in the game. DePaul fought hard to stay in contention, with scoring from their players, but ultimately fell short.
The final scoring plays saw Providence secure their victory with free throws from Ryan Mela, sealing the game at 71-68. The outcome not only marked a significant win for Providence but also underscored the challenges DePaul faces as they look to solidify their position in the league.
In summary, the game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Providence breaking their losing streak and DePaul looking to regroup after a hard-fought battle. The matchup was a testament to the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where every game can shift momentum and impact standings.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEP -2.5 | 152.5 o -110 / u -110 | Providence Friars +130 · DePaul Blue Demons -155 |
Leaders
- PointsNJ Benson19DePaul Blue Demons
- AssistsLayden Blocker4DePaul Blue Demons
- ReboundsNJ Benson10DePaul Blue Demons
- PointsJaylin Sellers21Providence Friars
- AssistsJason Edwards6Providence Friars
- ReboundsOswin Erhunmwunse12Providence Friars
Recent form
DePaul Blue Demons
Last 10: 4-6Streak W268.3 scored · 71.8 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W69-57at Seton Hall PiratesFeb 19
- W72-71vs Creighton BluejaysFeb 12
- L72-90at Providence FriarsFeb 7
- L56-68vs St. John's Red StormFeb 4
- L66-68at Xavier MusketeersJan 31
- 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
Providence Friars
Last 10: 3-7Streak L284.7 scored · 86.1 allowed per game0-4 away
- L69-79vs St. John's Red StormFeb 14
- L80-87at Seton Hall PiratesFeb 12
- W90-72vs DePaul Blue DemonsFeb 7
- W97-87vs Butler BulldogsFeb 5
- L73-87at Villanova WildcatsJan 31
- L81-87at UConn HuskiesJan 28
- L78-81vs Georgetown HoyasJan 24
- L104-105at Marquette Golden EaglesJan 19
- W93-88vs Creighton BluejaysJan 16
- L82-88vs Villanova WildcatsJan 13
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 | Providence Friars | DePaul Blue Demons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-49 | 25-65 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 8-16 | 6-26 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 23 |
| Free throws | 13-21 | 12-24 |
| Free throw % | 62 | 50 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 16 |
| Assists | 15 | 17 |
| Steals | 2 | 8 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 5 | 26 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 24 |
| Fouls | 19 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 74 | 19 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half38-38NJ Benson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half39-38Ryan Mela makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-41Layden Blocker makes 25-foot three point jumper (NJ Benson assists)
- 2nd Half39-42NJ Benson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-43NJ Benson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-46RJ Smith makes 22-foot three point jumper (Théo Pierre-Justin assists)
- 2nd Half41-46Jason Edwards makes layup
- 2nd Half43-46Jamier Jones makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half43-47NJ Benson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-49CJ Gunn makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Layden Blocker assists)
- 2nd Half44-49Jamier Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-49Jamier Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-49Jaylin Sellers makes layup (Jason Edwards assists)
- 2nd Half47-51Fabián Flores makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half50-51Jaylin Sellers makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ryan Mela assists)
- 2nd Half53-51Stefan Vaaks makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jason Edwards assists)
- 2nd Half55-51Jason Edwards makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Stefan Vaaks assists)
- 2nd Half56-51Stefan Vaaks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-51Stefan Vaaks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-53CJ Gunn makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (RJ Smith assists)
- 2nd Half58-53Cole Hargrove makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-55NJ Benson makes 2-foot dunk (Brandon Maclin assists)
- 2nd Half59-55Jason Edwards makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-55Jason Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-57CJ Gunn makes 8-foot hook shot (Layden Blocker assists)
- 2nd Half60-58Brandon Maclin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-58Jaylin Sellers makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half63-58Jason Edwards makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-58Jason Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-59Brandon Maclin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-61NJ Benson makes layup (CJ Gunn assists)
- 2nd Half66-61Jason Edwards makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-62Brandon Maclin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-64RJ Smith makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half69-64Stefan Vaaks makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jason Edwards assists)
- 2nd Half69-66Brandon Maclin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-67Brandon Maclin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-68Brandon Maclin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-68Ryan Mela makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-68Ryan Mela makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours DePaul Blue Demons, below favours Providence Friars.
Venue
- Wintrust ArenaChicago, IL
- Attendance5895
- OfficialsBrian O'Connell, Tim Smith, Peter Larson
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