Nova Report
The 10-2 Villanova Wildcats are on campus to battle the 8-5 DePaul Blue Demons. Tip is 6:00 pm eastern on FS1. Villanova is -12.5/135.5.
Last out, DePaul battled UCONN in Storrs gamely until the last 5 minutes when it all fell apart and lost 72-54. Villanova knocked off Seton Hall in Newark by 8 in their last game. Both clubs have been improving defensively lately.
DePaul is led by CJ Gunn (13.8 ppg), Layden Blocker (10.9 ppg), NJ Benson (10.9 ppg, 66% from floor), RJ Smith and Kruz McClure (both just under 8 ppg). Defensively, they limit teams to 47% from 2 and have an excellent perimeter defense. On the offense, they shoot 33% from 3 and are proficient at drawing fouls. The Blue Demons are not effective rebounders.
As for Villanova, after being dismantled by Michigan, they’ve really clamped down defensively and continue to create good looks offensively. With 5 players averaging over 10 ppg and can all shoot 3’s, other teams can’t focus just on 1 or 2 players. Brennan continues to be a stud inside with 12.1 ppg and 11.7 rebounds per game.
Both clubs have been off for 8 days or more and may start out a bit slow. Though one never knows. Villanova has the better talent and depth. They can definitely clamp down on the Blue Demons on the defensive end. DePaul will go inside and try to draw fouls. They will also force Nova inside the arc for shots. The Wildcats will pressure the DePaul guards and try to force turnovers. They will also crash the offensive glass to get 2nd chance points.
Nova Pick: Villanova-12 (buying hook)
Nova Pick Record: 7-4-1