To hear a Depaul fan talk about it, they were expected to upset Providence much like they did with heavy favorite Cincinnati in the first round. The reality is, however, that Depaul simply got worn out. The energy they expended against Cincinnati seemed to play a large role in the game tonight against Providence, as they lost 83-74 in the second round. The deep Friars seemed to just have that one extra step throughout the game.

Sharaud Curry led the Friars with 25 points, and it could not have been at a better time. The Friars have been considered a bubble team, and every single win they get in the Big East Tournament will enhance their chances of getting that at large bid. Next up for the Friars will be top seeded Louisville, and a win would surely put the Friars into the NCAA tournament.

For Depaul, the effort was certainly there, but they just ran out of gas late in the game. Will Walker and Dar Tucker both scored 31 points apiece, and carried the Blue Demons throughout the game. The performance marked the first time teammates had both gone over 30 points in the same game in a Big East Tournament game. While the Blue Demons did lead the Friars 55-51 at the 11:15 mark, they then went through a span of eight minutes without a field goal. That dry spell simply doomed the Blue Demons in the end.

Both Depaul and Providence was considered long shots to win the Big East Tournament, but they certainly played as though they expected to win. The effort and determination in this game was every bit the win or go home type game you would expect. The Friars are now in line to win a huge game in their school’s history as they face the powerful fifth ranked Louisville Cardinals in the quarterfinals. They will need Curry to step up big in this game.

The Friars also are going to have to control the offensive boards against Louisville. This is no small order, but they do match up well against the Cardinals in some respects. Curry should be able to get off plenty of shots, and defensively, they will have to limit the Cardinals shots to one and done. If they can do this, an NCAA tournament bid should be in the bag regardless of whether they win the tournament outright.

Tagged with: big east tournament, blue demons, cardinals, louisville cardinals, ncaa, ncaa tournament, offensive boards

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