DePaul Hosts Alabama A&M in Chicago Monday

DePaul looks to strengthen its NET Rankings profile against Alabama A&M in a Monday night non-conference matchup in Chicago.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Basketball

DePaul Hosts Alabama A&M in Chicago Monday

DePaul meets Alabama A&M in Chicago on Monday night, with both teams unbeaten at 2-0 this season. DePaul is seeking to earn wins against Quad 4 opponents to improve its NET Rankings.

Why it matters

DePaul has missed the NCAA Tournament every season since 2003-04, and a stronger non-conference schedule is part of its effort to improve its postseason standing. Coach Chris Holtmann is still working through lineup combinations after mixing three healthy returnees with six transfers.

Kruz McClure led DePaul with 18 points against South Florida, shooting 9 of 10 from the free-throw line, while Noah Meeusen added 13 points and seven assists. Whether McClure's scoring and Meeusen's playmaking carry over against Alabama A&M has yet to be seen.

The players

Chris Holtmann

Holtmann is the head coach of DePaul men's basketball, known for his work developing teams at the Big Ten and Power Conference level before arriving in Chicago.

Noah Meeusen

Meeusen is a DePaul guard who has taken on a starting role this season and is known for his playmaking as a distributor.

Kruz McClure

McClure is a DePaul guard and one of the team's leading scorers, recognized for his perimeter defense and his efficiency at the free-throw line.

The details

Noah Meeusen was moved into the starting lineup against South Florida, with Kruz McClure shifting to the bench. Holtmann considers Layden Blocker and McClure the perimeter players he trusts most defensively, and DePaul's upcoming non-conference slate includes Northwestern, Purdue, Pitt, SMU and Saint Louis.

Thursday: DePaul defeats South Florida 82-80.
Friday: Alabama A&M defeats Mississippi University for Women 103-47.
Monday night: DePaul meets Alabama A&M in Chicago.

Season Trajectory

DePaul has not reached the NCAA Tournament since the 2003-04 season, and its non-conference schedule is being built to improve its standing in the NET Rankings used by the selection committee. Results against Quad 4 foes and stronger opponents like Northwestern, Purdue and Pitt will shape whether the team's early-season momentum translates into postseason consideration.

A strong showing in the non-conference slate can raise a team's NET Rankings, which feeds into tournament selection and seeding. For fantasy and casual fans, McClure's free-throw efficiency and Meeusen's assist totals are the stat lines to track as DePaul's starting lineup settles.

The takeaway

Early-season results often reveal which lineup combinations a coaching staff will trust when conference play begins. For DePaul, consistent production from its returning players and transfers will be the clearest sign of progress.

What happens next

DePaul's upcoming non-conference games against Northwestern, Purdue, Pitt, SMU and Saint Louis will further test its lineup and its NET Rankings path, though specific dates were not provided in the source material.