DePaul University Athletics
Pregame Read: DePaul vs. Villanova
1/30/2019 5:15:00 PM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO - Playing on the coldest day in Chicago since 1985, with temperatures as low as -23 degrees, the Blue Demons welcome Villanova to the Wintrust Arena this evening for a 7 p.m. tip. Here are three stats and storylines to get you ready for the game.
Â
Another BIG EAST test: In Villanova the Blue Demons face their second top 15 opponent in a week as DePaul fell to Marquette this past Wednesday, 79-69. The No. 14/14 Wildcats come into the game winners of their past eight and hold a perfect 7-0 record in the BIG EAST. As a conference the BIG EAST finds itself in a three-way tie with the Big 10 and the SEC with two teams each in the top 14 on the coaches poll. The ACC leads all conferences with four teams in the top 14.
Â
Looking Back to Sunday: In a game that stayed close throughout, including three tied scores and two lead changes, the Blue Demons could not come all the way back as they ultimately lost by three points, 70-67, this past Sunday at Providence. Despite receiving solid efforts from Paul Reed (20 points, nine rebounds, two blocks) and Femi Olujobi (14 points, five rebounds, three assists), it was 26 bench points from Providence that made the difference as the Friars finished with a +20 bench scoring margin on the afternoon. Even with the loss, because of the incredibly crowded BIG EAST standings, the Blue Demons are still very much in the hunt as they find themselves tied with eight other teams, that have three wins on the season in BIG EAST play.
Â
How Does DePaul Matchup?: While the Wildcats come into the game as the favorite, looking at the season stats there do appear to be some areas that the Blue Demons could look to get the better of Villanova. Entering the game, DePaul is the top team in the BIG EAST by rebounding margin while Villanova is fourth. DePaul also appears to hold an advantage in steals as the Blue Demons are second in the category while Villanova is seventh.
Â
Â
Another BIG EAST test: In Villanova the Blue Demons face their second top 15 opponent in a week as DePaul fell to Marquette this past Wednesday, 79-69. The No. 14/14 Wildcats come into the game winners of their past eight and hold a perfect 7-0 record in the BIG EAST. As a conference the BIG EAST finds itself in a three-way tie with the Big 10 and the SEC with two teams each in the top 14 on the coaches poll. The ACC leads all conferences with four teams in the top 14.
Â
Looking Back to Sunday: In a game that stayed close throughout, including three tied scores and two lead changes, the Blue Demons could not come all the way back as they ultimately lost by three points, 70-67, this past Sunday at Providence. Despite receiving solid efforts from Paul Reed (20 points, nine rebounds, two blocks) and Femi Olujobi (14 points, five rebounds, three assists), it was 26 bench points from Providence that made the difference as the Friars finished with a +20 bench scoring margin on the afternoon. Even with the loss, because of the incredibly crowded BIG EAST standings, the Blue Demons are still very much in the hunt as they find themselves tied with eight other teams, that have three wins on the season in BIG EAST play.
Â
How Does DePaul Matchup?: While the Wildcats come into the game as the favorite, looking at the season stats there do appear to be some areas that the Blue Demons could look to get the better of Villanova. Entering the game, DePaul is the top team in the BIG EAST by rebounding margin while Villanova is fourth. DePaul also appears to hold an advantage in steals as the Blue Demons are second in the category while Villanova is seventh.
Â
Players Mentioned
F
/ MEN'S BASKETBALL
F
/ MEN'S BASKETBALLChris Holtmann Media Availability - Monday, April 27
Monday, April 27
DePaul Men's Basketball Game Highlights vs. Georgetown - 03.11.26
Thursday, March 12
Men's Basketball Media Availability: Chris Holtmann & NJ Benson 03.09.26
Monday, March 09
Men's Basketball vs Butler Postgame Press Conference
Sunday, March 08