A five-game home winning streak is on the line for the Northwestern Wildcats (6-3) when they go head-to-head with the DePaul Blue Demons (5-1) at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Action gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 8, 2018.
DePaul Blue Demons at Northwestern Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams easily got past their last opponent. The Wildcats defeated the New Orleans Privateers 82-52, while the Blue Demons beat the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 80-58.
DePaul played a flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.386 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 52.8. For those same stats, Bethune-Cookman put up marks of 0.097 and 40.5, respectively. The Wildcats, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 20.4) and had a much better free throw rate (0.350 vs. 0.204). Northwestern rallied around Vic Law, who contributed 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Max Strus, meanwhile played a key role for DePaul with 25 points and six rebounds.
The Wildcats won the only contest between these two teams last season, 62-60. The Wildcats’ 34.2 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Blue Demons, who had a mark of 30.0.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Northwestern should have a noteworthy advantage. Dating back to last season, the Wildcats defense ranks 64th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.499), while the DePaul offense ranks 301st in effective field goal percentage (0.484). Furthermore, the Blue Demons have been among the country’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 47th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.6 percent). The Wildcats, however, rank 35th in defensive rebounding percentage (73.2 percent).
DePaul Blue Demons at Northwestern Wildcats Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – DePaul, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Northwestern ranks seventh in three pointers allowed per game (19.2) while DePaul ranks 260th (25.0).
- The Wildcats rank 170th in steals per game (5.1) while the Blue Demons rank 209th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
- The Wildcats rank 31st in assists allowed per game (13.1) while the Blue Demons rank 225th (14.5).
- Northwestern ranks 11th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while DePaul ranks 141st (34.6).
