DePaul basketball prepares for another Big East conference home matchup, this time against the Villanova Wildcats. Read more for a full DePaul vs Villanova prediction and preview.
The Blue Demons look to win another conference matchup after defeating the Seton Hall Pirates 74-57, their first home conference in the Chris Holtmann era.
They were led by N.J. Benson, who recorded his third double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The last time DePaul took on Villanova, they suffered their biggest loss of the season, losing 56-100 on the road.
DePaul basketball was led by Jacob Meyer in that game with 13 points despite a poor shooting performance. He shot 3-14 (21.4%) overall and 2-7 (28.6%) from downtown. He made up for that by shooting 5-6 (83.3%) from the charity strike.
Villanova was led by Eric Dixon who scored 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. He shot 9-17 (52.9%) from the floor, 3-3 (100%) from the line and 4-10 (40%) from beyond the arc.
General Information:
Teams:Â DePaul (11-12, 2-10) and Villanova (12-10, 5-6)
Tip: 8 p.m. CST (9 p.m. EST)
Watch:Â CBS Sports Network
Listen:Â Â Radio DePaul Sports & Entertainment (RDSE)
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Dixon continues his run as one of the best scorers and players in all of Division I basketball. He averages 24.2 points on the season and hasn’t scored less than 10 points during any game this season.
Despite his high-scoring matches, the team hasn’t fared well lately.
In their last five games, the Wildcats have won one out of their last five, that win being against Providence (75-73). Their last three games have, for the most part, been heartbreakingly close matchups. Against Georgetown (63-64) and Creighton (60-62), the Wildcats were narrowly defeated. Their other loss in their three-game losing streak was against Marquette by a score of 74-87.
Offensively, the team is among, if not the best in the Big East. They averaged 76 points which is fifth in the conference.
Their greatest strength is their arsenal of both mid-range and perimeter shooters. The Wildcats average 46.9% from the floor, 39.3% from long range, and 79.9% from the charity strike. That’s good for third in the conference for overall shooting, and the best in three-point and free-throw shooting.
Dixon isn’t even the best shooter on the team, with Enoch Boakye (58.8% overall) and Jhamir Brickus (47.7% from downtown and 87.5% from the line), among others, having a great season themselves.
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The Blue Demons have done better as of late, winning two of their last five games, including their recent one against Seton Hall.
They average 74.7 points, not very far off from Villanova. However, their shooting percentages have taken some hits over the last few weeks.
DePaul averages 44.9% from the field which is seventh in the conference. They also shoot 36% from beyond the arc which is the fifth-best in the Big East. However, the team still struggles at the line at times, but they have improved now averaging 71.1% or eighth in the conference.
This team also boasts multiple scorers who can take over any game for the Blue Demons. Whether it be C.J. Gunn, Benson, or even Layden Blocker who’s had some great games as of late. Against Seton Hall, Blocker scored 7 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, an all-around threat.
The Chris Holtmann era at DePaul has had some rough games this season but still has plenty of room to grow.
DePaul vs Villanova prediction: Wildcats by 8
The Blue Demons have improved at great lengths after their previous matchup with Villanova. However, the team still struggles to stop teams from scoring.
Currently, DePaul allows the most points in the Big East (73.5 points). Opposing teams also shoot 44.8% against the Blue Demons, the second highest in the conference.
For the Blue Demons to walk away on Wednesday night with a win over Villanova is to be the better defensive team. The Wildcats have lost three straight, but two games were a one-score difference. This will be either close, or Villanova and Eric Dixon will take over like usual.