The DePaul Blue Demons (16-16, 4-15 Big East) face off against the No. 11 Villanova Wildcats (24-7, 13-5 Big East) in the Big East Conference Tourney at Madison Square Garden. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
DePaul Blue Demons vs. Villanova Wildcats ATS Prediction
The last time the Blue Demons played, they topped the Xavier Musketeers, 71-67. The Blue Demons knocked down 15 of their 18 free throws (83.3 percent) and held the Musketeers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.7 (below their season average of 32.4). With 23 points on 9-for-16 shooting, Paul Reed was the top scorer from either team.
The Wildcats barely escaped the Georgetown Hoyas in their last outing, 70-69. Villanova’s 0.286 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Georgetown, who had a mark of 0.102. The Wildcats’ mark was above their season average of 0.201, while the Hoyas’ was below their season average of 0.272. With 13 points and seven rebounds, Villanova’s Jeremiah Robinson-Earl had a solid performance.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball protection could play a key role in this showdown. Villanova commits the 29th-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of DePaul forces the 40th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.2 percent).
DePaul Blue Demons vs. Villanova Wildcats Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Villanova ranks 16th in three pointers attempted per game (27.5) while DePaul ranks 264th (18.1).
The Wildcats rank 62nd in steals allowed per game (5.7) while the Blue Demons rank 229th (8.0).
Villanova ranks 55th in assists per game (14.5) while DePaul ranks 215th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
The Blue Demons rank 16th in blocks per game (5.0) while the Wildcats rank 167th (2.6).
Villanova averages 36.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 122nd in the country. DePaul ranks 237th in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
The Blue Demons’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.4, up from 0.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (5.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (2.6 below their season average).