By Offense meets defense when the No. 14 Villanova Wildcats (12-3, 3-1 Big East) welcome the DePaul Blue Demons (12-4, 0-3 Big East) to Finneran Pavilion. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 14, 2020.
DePaul Blue Demons vs. Villanova Wildcats Free Prediction
In the Blue Demons’ last game, they were defeated by the St. John’s Red Storm, 74-67. St. John’s’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over DePaul. The Red Storm had a rate of 9.8 (better than their season average of 14.0), while the Blue Demons posted a mark of 23.5 (above their season average of 17.3). DePaul’s Charlie Moore played well, putting up 14 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds.
The Wildcats defeated the Georgetown Hoyas in their last game, 80-66. The Wildcats held the Hoyas to an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.9 (below their season average of 35.8). The Hoyas had a free throw rate of 0.153 (below their season average of 0.278). Saddiq Bey was the game’s top scorer with 33 points on 10-for-15 shooting from the field.
After the Wildcats won both games against the Blue Demons last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Villanova won 86-74. The Wildcats’ 4.0 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Blue Demons, who had a rate of 15.8.
This matchup pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Villanova ranks 29th in offensive efficiency and DePaul is 53rd in defensive efficiency. Conflicting paces will be on display in this showdown. The up-and-down Blue Demons rank 58th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Wildcats rank 269th.
DePaul Blue Demons vs. Villanova Wildcats Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – DePaul, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Villanova ranks 22nd in three pointers attempted per game (27.9) while DePaul ranks 234th (18.9).
The Blue Demons rank 21st in steals per game (9.2) while the Wildcats rank 156th (6.1).
DePaul ranks 11th in blocks per game (6.0) while Villanova ranks 105th (3.3).
The Wildcats average 37.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 102nd in the country. The Blue Demons rank 195th in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).
Villanova averages 15.7 assists per game, which ranks 39th in the country. DePaul ranks 128th in assists allowed per game (12.7).
The Blue Demons have been outscored by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. On the season, DePaul has defeated opponents by an average of 8.4 points.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 65.6 points per game (9.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.6 points per game (4.5 below their season average).
