DePaul's historic Big East surge puts .500 record within reach
DePaul's men's basketball team is making waves in the Big East this season. Under coach Chris Holtmann, the squad has already doubled its conference win total from last year and secured three straight road victories—a first in program history. Now, with two games remaining, the Blue Demons are pushing for a .500 record in league play, a milestone not reached since 2007.
From the start of Holtmann's second season, players and coaches set out to turn things around. Their efforts have paid off, with the team climbing to fifth place in the Big East standings. This position puts them in line for a first-round bye in the conference tournament, a rare advantage for the program.
The team's success hasn't come by chance. A top-50 defence and strong senior leadership have been key to their progress. Yet, despite the achievements, the players remain focused on bigger goals. To finish at .500 or better, they must win their final two home games—against Villanova on Wednesday and Butler on Saturday.
Holtmann has noted a positive shift in the programme's culture. The team's confidence is high, but they're not content with just making history. Their sights are set on making noise in the upcoming Big East tournament.
DePaul's late-season push could mark their best Big East finish in nearly two decades. A win over Villanova and Butler would secure their target record and solidify their tournament positioning. The team's focus now turns to proving they belong among the conference's top contenders.
