DePaul (9-5) vs. Villanova (9-5)
January 4, 2025 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Villanova -9; Over/Under: +146.5
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In this article, we will formulate a Villanova vs DePaul prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 4th at Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Villanova Wildcats Betting Preview
The Villanova Wildcats are 9-5 (2-1) this year after they defeated Butler by a score of 73-65 in their last game. Villanova trailed 31-30 at halftime, but they scored 43 points in the second half for the win. The Wildcats shot 42.4% from the field, 34.6% on three-pointers, and 87.5% on free throws in the game. Eric Dixon led Villanova with 28 points and four rebounds, while Wooga Poplar added 18 points and 15 rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, the Wildcats lost to Creighton by a score of 86-79 but did beat Seton Hall by a score of 79-67 before that. Villanova has won six of their last seven games, including a win over Cincinnati by a score of 68-60. Villanova has scored 78.6 points per game and they have allowed 67.7 points per game, while also averaging 35.6 rebounds and 13.7 assists per game this season. Eric Dixon is averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while Wooga Poplar is averaging 13.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game this year. Villanova is shooting 48.5% from the field, 80.5% on free throws, and 40.2% on three-pointers this season.
DePaul Blue Demons Betting Preview
The DePaul Blue Demons are 9-5 (0-3) this season after they lost to UConn by a score of 81-68 in their last game. DePaul trailed 43-22 at halftime, but they did score 46 points in the second half for the win. The Blue Demons shot 39.6% from the field, 25% on three-pointers, and 82.1% on free throws in the game. Conor Enright led DePaul with 18 points and nine assists, while Jacob Meyer added 12 points and three rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Blue Demons defeated Loyola Maryland by a score of 84-65 but did lose to Northwestern by a score of 84-64 before that. DePaul has lost five of their last seven games, including two conference losses against Providence and St. John’s. DePaul has scored 79.2 points per game and they have allowed 70.5 points per game, while also averaging 37.9 rebounds and 18.1 assists per game this season. Jacob Meyer is averaging 14.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game, while Isaiah Rivera is averaging 10.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game this year. DePaul is shooting 45.8% from the field, 71% on free throws, and 38.5% on three-pointers this season.
Why Villanova will beat DePaul
- DePaul has lost each of its last 25 games against the Big East Conference.
- Villanova has won each of its last six games at Finneran Pavilion.
- DePaul has lost the first half in each of its last 10 day games against the Big East Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Fourteen of Villanova’s last 15 games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 146 or fewer points.
- Each of DePaul’s last six day games has produced a total of 148+ points.
Villanova vs DePaul Prediction
DePaul comes into this matchup after playing very well in the non-conference, but they are 0-3 in the Big East so far. The Blue Demons are only shooting 45.8% from the field this year and they have scored 64 points or fewer in two of their last three losses. Villanova has bounced back from a slow start to the season and they have won six of their last seven games. The Wildcats are shooting 48.5% from the field, but their defense has been very solid. DePaul has struggled within conference play for years and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. We know the Blue Demons will upset at least one or two teams within the conference, but I don’t think it is going to be here. Villanova is trending in the right direction and I like them to get an easy win here.
