DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
Villanova
Blue Demons Open BIG EAST Play Saturday Afternoon
12/22/2023 10:39:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO – DePaul men's basketball officially opens BIG EAST play, Saturday, Dec. 23 as they play host to Villanova. Game action is scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. CT on FS1 with Jason Ross Jr. and Steven Bardo on the call. Zach Zaidman and Dave Corzine will have the radio call on DePaulBlueDemons.com.
SCOUTING DEPAUL
DePaul (2-7) is coming off their best defensive performance of the season, holding No. 25 Northwestern to 57 points and 35 percent from the field shooting last weekend. The Blue Demons were led against the Wildcats by Jeremiah Oden who registered 12 points for his seventh double-digit scoring effort this season. DePaul currently boasts one of the strongest strengths of schedule in the country and ranking third in the BIG EAST behind Marquette and Xavier.
Chico Carter Jr. continues to lead DePaul offensively with a team-high 14.0 points per game on 48.5 percent shooting, including 42.6 percent from three-point range. Carter Jr. ranks second among all active Division 1 players with a 43.8 career three-point percentage. Carter Jr., Oden and K.T. Raimey are all individually shooting above 40.0 percent from deep, while the Blue Demons boast a 36.2 percentage as a team on the season, which ranks third in the BIG EAST.
THE SERIES
Villanova leads the all-time series, 33-9, after the Wildcats and DePaul split last season's meetings. DePaul picked up a 75-65 win against Villanova last season at home, snapping a 22-game win streak in the series for the Wildcats. The game marked DePaul's first win against Villanova since Jan. 3, 2008 and largest margin of victory all-time against the Wildcats. Prior to DePaul's home victory last season, Villanova had a 22-game streak in the series.
SCOUTING VILLANOVA
Villanova opened their BIG EAST slate earlier this week with a 68-66 overtime road win against #12 Creighton. The Wildcats also boast wins this season against UCLA, North Carolina and Memphis and have back-to-back victories coming into Saturday's contest.
As a team, Villanova ranks second nationally with a 81.3 free throw percentage and are averaging 9.3 three-pointers per game. Eric Dixon is the Cats leading scorer with 15.2 points per game and is second with 6.9 boards. Tyler Burton is the team's leading rebounder with eight per game.
UP NEXT
DePaul has one final non-conference game as they host Chicago State, Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. CT.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all the latest information on DePaul Men's Basketball, please visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, following the Blue Demons on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
2023-24 TICKET INFORMATION
Secure your seat for BIG EAST basketball in Chicago! New 2023-24 season tickets can be purchased online at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets or by calling the DePaul Ticket Office at 773-325-7526. Men's basketball season ticket packages start at only $195. Season ticket holder benefits include savings off the single game ticket rate, access to postseason tickets, preferred parking rate, discounts on DePaul apparel and more. Upgrade your experience with premium seating offerings and enjoy access to food and beverages in the Blue Demon Club Lounge.
Season ticket renewals for the 2023-24 season have concluded. Current ticket holders yet to renew can call the ticket office to secure new seats for the upcoming season.
The DePaul Ticket Office is also now accepting $50 deposits for Group Outings or Luxury Suite Rentals. Fans can visit DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets for more information.
