The No. 14 Villanova Wildcats (16-4, 7-0 Big East) put their eight-game winning streak on the line when they meet the DePaul Blue Demons (11-8, 3-5 Big East) at Wintrust Arena. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.
Villanova Wildcats at DePaul Blue Demons ATS Prediction
The Wildcats will be looking for similar success after blowing out the Seton Hall Pirates in their last game, 80-52. The Wildcats had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.629 (above their season average of 0.553), while the Pirates had a turnover percentage of 23.6 (above their season average of 15.2). Villanova received a boost from Phil Booth, who was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
In the Blue Demons’ previous game, they lost a tough one against the Providence Friars, 70-67. Providence was effective at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Friars made 22 of their 26 free throws (84.6 percent), while the Blue Demons were 16-20 (80.0 percent). With 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting, Paul Reed led DePaul in scoring.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, Eric Paschall scored a game-high 24 points and the Wildcats defeated the Blue Demons 73-68. He also put up six rebounds. One of Villanova’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 16-18 (88.9 percent), while the Blue Demons were just 4-6 (66.7 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Booth (23 points,5.0 assists) has been stellar for the Wildcats while Reed (18 points,10.4 rebounds,1.2 blocks) has made solid contributions to the Blue Demons.
Villanova should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Wildcats currently rank 19th in offensive efficiency, while DePaul ranks 179th in defensive efficiency.
Villanova at DePaul ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – DePaul, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Villanova ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (29.5) while DePaul ranks 237th in three pointers allowed per game (25.0).
The Blue Demons rank 50th in rebounds per game (38.4) while the Wildcats rank 164th (35.3).
DePaul ranks 61st in assists per game (15.0) while Villanova ranks 132nd in assists allowed per game (13.2).
The Wildcats rank 16th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Blue Demons rank 85th (3.2).
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The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.6, up from 9.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Demons have scored an average of 76.2 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.0 points per game (7.3 above their season average).
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