DePaul vs. Villanova Prediction: The Big East Tournament Begins

The DePaul Blue Demons and Villanova Wildcats kick off the Big East Tournament on Wednesday. This will be the third meeting between the two programs in 2023-24. 

Villanova, the sixth seed in the Big East Conference, comes into this matchup with a 17-14 record and a 16-game winning streak. Meanwhile, sixth-ranked DePaul has just three wins in 31 games this season. 

The Wildcats dominated their first two matchups against the Blue Demons, winning 84-48 and 94-69. Villanova has fallen off the NCAA tournament radar this season, while DePaul isn’t even remotely close. 

None of the regular season results matter when it comes to tournament games. Anything can happen. 

The tip-off from Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET. Let's break down the action and how this conference game will develop.

DePaul vs. Villanova Betting Odds for Wednesday, March 13th

Based on the first two meetings, the odds for this game make perfect sense. Villanova should have no problem dominating. 

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Wildcats are 23.5-point favorites, which is a lot to cover. Yet, the Blue Demons are no strangers to losing by large margins. 

Also, the Villanova Moneyline isn’t worth mentioning because it’s -10000, while DePaul’s moneyline is +1800. The total is 136.5, and these teams have been consistently close to this number. 

Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. Sign up for FanDuel and get $200 in bonus bets if you wager $5 on your first bet and win.

DePaul Blue Demons vs. Villanova Wildcats Preview

It has been a disappointing season for Villanova. All year long, the Wildcats have struggled to find the same intensity as in the past. However, these season-long setbacks haven’t stopped them from destroying the worst teams in their conference. 

Villanova is led by 6’8” senior Eric Dixon and 6’7” senior Tyler Burton. Dixon averages 16.3 points, 1.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. He has scored over 20 points in four of his last six against some of the best competition in college basketball.

Burton has excelled on the defensive side of the ball more than the offensive side. He makes it hard for teams to get close and score in the paint. Before the conference tournament, Burton had 196 rebounds and 23 steals. 

Villanova comes into this matchup just 3-2 in its last five. Some of those games were against the highest-ranked teams in the country, but a loss is a loss. 

The Wildcats will have a lot of work to do after this season if they want to get back in contention for a title. In the 2023-2024 season, Villanova ranked 271st in points per game, 281st in field goal percentage, and just 323rd in steals. 

This season hasn’t been a total downer, as they have done well in other categories. They finished with the 20th-best defense and have the best free-throw percentage in the country. We expect the Wildcats to build up and get back on track in the coming seasons. 

The Blue Demons have lost their last 19 games in a row. DePaul plays some of the country's best teams in the Big East. Both of these teams face St. John’s, Providence, Creighton, and UConn twice a year. 

DePaul had one of the saddest seasons on paper this year. Seventeen of their 28 losses came by 19 points or more. They rank at the bottom in nearly every category, including points against, rebounds, steals, and turnovers. 

Chico Carter Jr. leads the Blue Demons on the court. This season, he has averaged 11.3 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. His last two games were some of his best. Against the Wildcats, he must have the game of his life to make a difference in the outcome. 

While Villanova isn’t the best team in the world, there isn’t much to support backing DePaul. This looks like a classic Mismatch, and it should be evident how this one will turn out by halftime. 

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DePaul Blue Demons vs. Villanova Wildcats Prediction and Betting Pick

Villanova has fallen off the map compared to the championship contenders they were just a few years back. However, the Blue Demons haven’t put up much of a fight all season. 

The Wildcats have already beaten the Blue Demons by 36 and 25 this season. Villanova knows how to win big games, and while this game isn’t worth watching, DePaul doesn’t stand a chance.

• DePaul Blue Demons vs. Villanova Wildcats Pick: Villanova -23.5 (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook

How to Watch DePaul vs. Villanova 

• When: Wednesday, March 13th @ 9:00 PM ET

• Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

• TV: ESPN2

• Streaming: ESPN+

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