The Northwestern Wildcats (5-5) will travel to Wintrust Arena to meet the DePaul Blue Demons (11-1). Action gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019, and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. DePaul Blue Demons Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Blue Demons defeated the Cleveland State Vikings, 73-65, while the Wildcats lost to the 15th-ranked Michigan State Spartans, 77-72.
DePaul dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.578 (above their season average of 0.196) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.522 (below their season average of 0.535). Cleveland State was 0.245 and 0.491, respectively, for those same stats. Northwestern, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 10.6 (better than their season average of 15.8). Paul Reed fueled DePaul with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Northwestern was lifted by Boo Buie, who had 26 points.
The Wildcats won the lone game between these two teams last season, 75-68. Northwestern’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over DePaul. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.327, while the Blue Demons posted a mark of 0.143. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This game should be a matchup of contrasting paces. DePaul prefers a fast-paced style of play (60th in possessions per game), while Northwestern is more half-court-oriented (295th in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Wildcats commit the 50th-fewest errors in the nation (turnover percentage of 17.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of the Blue Demons causes the 23rd-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 25.1 percent).
Northwestern Wildcats at DePaul Blue Demons Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- DePaul ranks 14th in steals per game (9.8) while Northwestern ranks 172nd (5.2).
- The Blue Demons rank 57th in rebounds per game (38.9) while the Wildcats rank 118th in rebounds allowed per game (34.7).
- The Blue Demons rank ninth in blocks per game (6.2) while the Wildcats rank 133rd (2.6).
- DePaul ranks 49th in assists allowed per game (11.0) while Northwestern ranks 172nd (14.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.8, down from 3.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Blue Demons have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
