DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Opens BIG EAST Campaign
1/2/2008 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
DePaul (4-7) vs. #17/16 Villanova (10-1)
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Allstate Arena (18,500)
Rosemont, Ill. - 8 p.m.
The Records
DePaul is 4-7 after beating Detroit, 70-64, on Saturday in the Motor City. Villanova is 10-1 after beating La Salle, 71-58, on Saturday in Philadelphia. This is the BIG EAST Conference opener for both teams. Villanova is ranked No. 17 in the Associated Press poll and No. 16 in the ESPN/USA Today Top 25 poll.
The Series
Villanova leads the all-time series 10-7. The teams split the two meetings last season with DePaul winning at Villanova and the Wildcats winning in the first round of the BIG EAST Tournament in New York. The Wildcats won the last meeting in Rosemont, 61-51, on February 11, 2006. Current streak: Villanova 1.
The Last Meeting
Scottie Reynolds scored 29 points including hitting 13 of his 16 free throws and Curtis Sumpter added 25 points as Villanova beat DePaul, 75-67, in the opening round of the BIG EAST Conference Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 7, 2007. Sammy Mejia had 20 points for DePaul while Draelon Burns and Wilson Chandler each had 18.
The Coaches
Jerry Wainwright is in his 14th season as a collegiate head coach and his third at DePaul. He is 222-182 overall and 36-36 with the Blue Demons. Wainwright is 1-3 against Villanova. Jay Wright is in his 14th season as a head coach and his seventh at Villanova. He is 258-156 overall and 136-71 with the Wildcats. Wright is 2-1 against the Blue Demons.
Television
Tonight's game will be televised by ESPN2 with Dave O'Brien and Doris Burke announcing.
Radio
Today's game will be broadcast at www.depaulbluedemons.com with Zach Zaidman and Dave Corzine mike side.
Up Next
DePaul: hosts Providence, Jan. 5
Villanova: hosts Pittsburgh, Jan. 6
