Despite being knocked out of the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll, No. 3 Villanova still has a big target on their backs. The Wildcats still sit atop the competitive Big East Conference. They clinched at least a share of the league regular season title when Xavier lost at Seton Hall on Sunday. They already own the No. 1 seed in the Big East Tournament in New York City.
Villanova still has plenty to play for. They’re still gunning for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They cannot lose any of their last two games of the regular season against DePaul and Georgetown. DePaul has struggled greatly this season. The Blue Demons are just 3-13 in the Big East and 9-19 overall. But they could still play spoilers to one of the nation’s top teams.
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DePaul Blue Demons vs. Villanova Wildcats Preview
Where: The Pavilion, Villanova
When: Tuesday, March 1, 7:00 PM ET
Line: DePaul Blue Demons (+23.5) at Villanova Wildcats (-23.5) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
Betting on the DePaul Blue Demons (9-19)
DePaul has been one of the Big East’s cellar dwellers this season, having won just three of 16 league games. They’re in a big hole, losing five of their last six outings. They’ve struggled defensively, allowing 81.5 points per game over that stretch. The Blue Demons once again showed their defensive holes in an 87-66 loss at Providence on Saturday.
Cain was the lone bright spot on the team in DePaul’s 86-59 loss to Villanova on February 9. He was the only Blue Demon to score in double figures, dropping 15 on 5 of 11 shooting. But the rest of the Blue Demons didn’t exactly lack in effort. Senior Forward Myke Henry had nine points on 3 of 12 shooting. He’s averaging 13 points per game in his last six outings on the road.
Expect DePaul to put up a fight with Henry and Cain leading the charge. Henry leads the team with 13.9 points per game this season. Cain is third on the team with 10.1 points per game.
The Blue Demons are 1-5 SU/ATS in their last six games.
Betting on the Villanova Wildcats (25-4)
Villanova is one scary team to play. Despite some ball-control issues in their last outing, they still hit 57.7 percent of their shots in an 89-79 win over Marquette on Saturday. They also scored 27 points off 17 Marquette giveaways.
Josh Hart and Daniel Ochefu were to thank for the crucial win Saturday. Hart, Villanova’s leading scorer at 15.1 points per game, scored 19 on 7 of 8 shooting. Ochefu finished with a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. The two should remain hot in this game. They play at home and face DePaul’s ailing defense next.
Hart and Ochefu are already a handful. Kris Jenkins brings Villanova full circle with his stellar play. He’s averaging 20.3 points and gone 10 of 21 from downtown in his last three games. He made 3 of 6 three pointers and had 13 points, five rebounds and two steals in an 86-59 road win on February 9.
The Wildcats have dominated this series against DePaul. They have won 11 straight meetings, including seven straight by 13 or more points. Their last loss was an 84-76 road loss in January 2008.
Villanova has won six straight meetings against DePaul on the road. They’ve gone 4-2 ATS over that span.
Writer’s Prediction
Villanova (-23.5) blows out an overmatched DePaul team.
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