Marist College has a better record and a higher seed, but Red Foxes coach Brian Giorgis says it’s DePaul that really should be favored Saturday night in their NCAA tournament clash in Baton Rouge, La.
“Most people look at us as an underdog,” said Giorgis, whose 31-2 Marist team is seeded seventh. “They’re a Big East school and … we’ve watched enough tape to know how good DePaul is.”
Blue Demons coach Doug Bruno, whose 10th-seeded 20-11 team is making its sixth straight NCAA trip, begs to differ.
“Marist is a team that has already shown they have the ability to get to the Sweet 16, they have the same kids back from the Sweet 16 team a year ago,” he said. “We’re in a harder league, but when you throw in [Marist’s postseason] experience, it all goes out the window.”
The Red Foxes, making their third straight NCAA trip, went 17-0 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season and then scored a postseason MAAC tourney sweep for an automatic NCAA berth.
Ranked No. 22 in the AP Top 25, Marist features sensational sophomore forward Rachele Fitz, who averages 18.9 points, scored in double figures in 31 straight games and earned MAAC player of the year honors.
DePaul has three players in double figures, led by senior Allie Quigley, a first-team Big East selection at 19 points per game who is second on the team with 5.1 rebounds. She’s also a potent three-point threat along with Deirdre Naughton and Missy Mitidiero. Forward Natasha Williams averages 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds.
