Villanova vs. DePaul Preview + Brief Creighton Recap

On Saturday night, Villanova had another chance to get their first Quad 1 win against the red-hot Creighton Bluejays. The Wildcats had a one point lead with 30 seconds left; however, a costly turnover led to another late game collapse. Villanova suffered their third straight close game loss to Creighton in Omaha, 66-61.

Quick Summary of Villanova vs. Creighton

The Wildcats started out Saturday’s game matching shots with the Bluejays. However, midway though the first half, Creighton used an 8-0 run to propel into the lead at halftime. Villanova cut the deficit throughout most of the second half led by Eric Dixon. Dixon knocked down a crucial three to give Villanova the lead with 30 seconds left to play, but a costly turnover that could have been a foul led to a huge missed opportunity for the Wildcats to pick up their first Quad 1 win in Omaha.

DePaul Preview

On Wednesday evening, Villanova returns to the Finn to battle 9-15 DePaul. Prior to tonight’s game, the Wildcats will honor legendary former head coach, Jay Wright, and star guard Jalen Brunson.

Villanova

The Wildcats are just 4-8 in Big East play, but have recently played tough games against ranked Big East opponents that have come down to the wire. Although Villanova has lost three straight games, the addition of Justin Moore back into the lineup has given Nova a noticeable boost. Villanova is averaging 69.7 points per game. According to Kenpom.com, Villanova is ranked 71^st in the country.

DePaul

The DePaul Blue Demons have lost five straight games, including a close battle against Seton Hall just three days ago. The Blue Demons are averaging more points than Villanova at 71.3 points per game; however, the DePaul defense has significantly struggled this season. Villanova clearly has the edge defensively, especially after playing Creighton. DePaul also struggles getting rebounds, which is something that Villanova must take advantage of tonight.

First Matchup

The Wildcats lost their first matchup against DePaul on January 10^th, 75-65, but it is obvious that this Villanova team, although losing three-straight, is much improved since that game. In that January matchup, Villanova was outscored 45-34 in the second half. Also, Da’Sean Nelson, who is averaging 10.7 points per game this season, had 24 points against the Wildcats on January 10^th. Umoja Gibson, a senior guard from Waco, TX, leads the Blue Demons in scoring with 16 points per game. Gibson has scored at least 20 points in three of his last four games, including 21 points against Seton Hall.

According to Kenpom.com, DePaul is ranked 137^th in the country. The Blue Demons are also 3-10 in Big East competition.

WXVU will have live coverage of tonight’s game beginning with the Pregame Show at 8:15pm. Tip-off is scheduled to begin after the ceremony at approximately 8:30pm.