Loyola Maryland vs DePaul: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | December 28, 2024

The DePaul Blue Demons return to Wintrust Arena after a week of rest, hosting the 5-5 Loyola Maryland Greyhounds in their final non-conference home game. DePaul, now 8-4, is looking to bounce back from a 20-point road loss to Northwestern, where their offensive struggles were evident. Facing a Loyola team ranked in the high 200s in efficiency metrics, this matchup offers a prime opportunity for the Blue Demons to regain momentum before conference play begins.

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— DePaul Basketball (@DePaulHoops) December 21, 2024

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Loyola Maryland vs DePaul Odds

Can the Blue Demons bounce back after two straight road losses?

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Spread

Loyola MD: +17 (-110)

DePaul: -17 (-110)

Total

Over: 145 (-115)

Under: 145 (-105)

Loyola Maryland vs DePaul Predictions

After a week of rest, the DePaul Blue Demons return to their home gym in the South Loop of Chicago, hosting the 5-5 Loyola Maryland Greyhounds. The 8-4 Blue Demons are coming off a 20-point road loss to Northwestern in Evanston. DePaul’s offense struggled in that game, shooting under 40% from the floor but surprisingly managing nearly 45% from beyond the arc. Road performances have been a major weakness for this team; they rank 313th in two-point shooting percentage on the road. However, at home, they improve significantly, ranking 148th. Fortunately, their final non-conference home game comes against a team ranked in the bottom 55, according to Bart Torvik.

This matchup serves as the perfect tune-up game for DePaul. Loyola Maryland ranks in the high 200s in both offensive and defensive adjusted efficiency. The Greyhounds have faced a very weak schedule thus far, playing only one opponent inside the top 100. That game, a November 16th matchup against VCU, ended in an 83-57 loss. While Loyola held VCU to 30% shooting from three, they allowed 62% shooting from the floor overall. If DePaul can replicate VCU’s performance, they should win this game by at least 20 points.

At home, DePaul boasts a top-90 offense and defense, excelling in almost every significant statistical category. They rank in the top 50 in effective field goal percentage and three-point shooting. Their defense also intensifies at Wintrust Arena, where they have won six of their eight home games this season by at least 17 points.

This game is critical for DePaul as they prepare to host the two-time defending champions, UConn, on New Year’s Day. This is not a “look-ahead” spot for the Blue Demons; they need as many wins as possible and thrive on their home court, where they rank as the third-best team nationally, per Haslametrics.

If DePaul fails to cover the spread and does not win by 20 or more points, it would be a significant disappointment. With UConn looming and a challenging conference schedule ahead, this game is a must-win for the Blue Demons.