DePaul seeks to maintain strong defense against Detroit Mercy after a lopsided win over Gardner-Webb.

DePaul aims to sustain its defensive intensity for a full 40 minutes when hosting Detroit Mercy on Sunday, following an 84-56 win over Gardner-Webb. Guard RJ Smith, a Colorado transfer, posted a season-high four assists and helped lead a team effort with 29 assists and 12 steals. Despite the victory, coach Chris Holtmann stressed the need for better offensive structure, rebounding, and consistent defense. Detroit Mercy, coming off two losses to Notre Dame and No. 17 Michigan State, is 24-for-26 from the free-throw line in its last two games and shows signs of improvement under coach Mark Montgomery, who noted better preparation ahead of the matchup.