The 14th-ranked Villanova Wildcats (12-3, 3-1 Big East) and their outstanding offense welcome the DePaul Blue Demons (12-4, 0-3 Big East) and their exceptional defense. Action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 14, 2020.
DePaul Blue Demons vs. Villanova Wildcats Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Wildcats defeated the Georgetown Hoyas, 80-66, while the Blue Demons were beaten by the St. John’s Red Storm, 74-67.
Villanova played a nearly perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.0 (below their season average of 29.2) and a free throw rate of 0.193 (below their season average of 0.194). For those same stats, Georgetown put up marks of 22.9 and 0.153, respectively. DePaul, meanwhile, held St. John’s to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below their season average of 34.1). Villanova was lifted by Saddiq Bey, who finished with 33 points. Meanwhile, Charlie Moore had a solid performance for DePaul, contributing 14 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds.
The Wildcats dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent matchup, Villanova won 86-74. Villanova had a much better turnover percentage (4.0 vs. 15.8). DePaul, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (13-17; 76.5 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This battle pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Villanova ranks 29th in offensive efficiency and DePaul ranks 53rd in defensive efficiency. Opposite tempos will be on display in this battle. The aggressively-paced Blue Demons rank 58th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Wildcats rank 269th.
DePaul Blue Demons at Villanova Wildcats Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – DePaul, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Villanova ranks 22nd in three pointers attempted per game (27.9) while DePaul ranks 234th (18.9).
- 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 ranks 39th in assists per game (15.7) while DePaul ranks 128th in assists allowed per game (12.7).
- 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).
Bettings Trends:
- 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).
- 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.
