A History of Rivalry
The DePaul Blue Demons and Butler Bulldogs have a long and storied rivalry that dates back to the early 1900s. The two schools are located just a few miles apart in Chicago, and their proximity has fueled a competitive spirit that has only intensified over the years.
The first meeting between DePaul and Butler took place in 1911, and the Blue Demons emerged victorious with a score of 32-12. Since then, the two teams have met over 100 times, with DePaul holding a slight edge in the overall record (52-49).
The rivalry reached its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, when both teams were consistently ranked among the nation’s top 25. During this time, the two schools met in several high-stakes games, including the 1997 NIT Championship and the 2003 NCAA Tournament.
In recent years, the rivalry has cooled somewhat, as DePaul has struggled to maintain the same level of success as Butler. However, the two schools continue to meet regularly, and the games are always fiercely contested.
The Blue Demons
DePaul is a private Catholic university located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. The Blue Demons compete in the Big East Conference, and they are known for their strong basketball program.
DePaul’s basketball team has won 10 conference championships and has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 23 times. The Blue Demons have also produced several notable players, including Mark Aguirre, Terry Cummings, and Stephen Curry.
The Bulldogs
Butler is a private research university located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Bulldogs compete in the Big East Conference, and they are known for their strong basketball program.
Butler’s basketball team has won 7 conference championships and has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 24 times. The Bulldogs have also produced several notable players, including Gordon Hayward, Shelvin Mack, and Brad Stevens.
The Rivalry in Numbers
- DePaul and Butler have met 107 times, with DePaul holding a 52-49 record.
- The two teams have met in the NCAA Tournament 6 times, with DePaul winning 3 of those games.
- The highest-scoring game in the rivalry was played in 2018, when DePaul defeated Butler 109-94.
- The lowest-scoring game in the rivalry was played in 1946, when DePaul defeated Butler 22-19.
Why the Rivalry Matters
The DePaul-Butler rivalry is one of the most heated rivalries in college basketball. The two schools are located just a few miles apart, and their fans are passionate about their teams. The games are always fiercely contested, and the atmosphere is electric.
The rivalry also has a significant impact on the two schools. It helps to generate excitement and enthusiasm for both programs, and it can also help to attract recruits.
How the Rivalry Benefits Both Schools
The DePaul-Butler rivalry benefits both schools in a number of ways.
- It helps to generate excitement and enthusiasm for both programs.
- It can help to attract recruits.
- It can help to raise money for both schools.
- It can help to build a sense of community among fans.
Strategies for Success
There are a number of strategies that both DePaul and Butler can use to achieve success in the rivalry.
- Recruiting: Both schools need to continue to recruit top-level talent in order to compete at a high level.
- Development: Both schools need to develop their players both on and off the court.
- Coaching: Both schools need to have strong coaching staffs in place in order to lead their teams to success.
- Teamwork: Both schools need to have players who are willing to work together and play as a team.
Conclusion
The DePaul-Butler rivalry is one of the most heated rivalries in college basketball. The two schools are located just a few miles apart, and their fans are passionate about their teams. The games are always fiercely contested, and the atmosphere is electric.
The rivalry has a significant impact on both schools. It helps to generate excitement and enthusiasm for both programs, and it can also help to attract recruits. The rivalry also has a number of benefits for both schools, including generating revenue, raising money, and building a sense of community among fans.
