The DePaul Blue Demons are off to a 6-5 start to the 2022-23 NCAA Basketball season, ninth in the Big East Conference, and are coming off a loss in their previous outing against the Duquense Dukes (66-55).
They will now take on the Northwestern Wildcats, who are 7-2 at the start, third in the Big Ten Conference, and on a two-game winning streak. They won their last game against the Prairie View A&M Panthers (61-51) and will now host this game at the Welsh-Ryan Arena on Saturday (December 17). The Wildcats will be looking to register their eighth win of the season and third consecutive victory.
DePaul Blue Demons vs Northwestern Wildcats: Betting Odds
The Blue Demons have six wins and five losses so far this season. The losses have come against teams like the Santa Clara Broncos (69-61), the Oklahoma State Cowboys (82-78), the Texas A&M Aggies (82-66), and the St John's Red Storm (86-67). They now have a tough task away from home to win their seventh game of the season.
The team fares well on the offensive front, averaging 75.1 points per game, which ranks 137th in the league. However, their defense is something that has caused them to lose so many games. They are conceding 74.4 points, which ranks 309th in the league.
The Northwestern Wildcats have seven wins and only two losses so far. The losses came against the No.19 Auburn Tigers (43-42) and the Pittsburgh Panthers (87-58). They now find themselves third in the Big Ten and will be looking to extern their two-game winning run.
The team is below par when it comes to offense, scoring only 64.4 points per game but is conceding only 56.8 points, which ranks an impressive 7th.
DePaul Blue Demons vs Northwestern Wildcats: Match Details
Fixture: DePaul Blue Demons @ Northwestern Wildcats
Date & Time: Saturday, December 17, 02:00 p.m ET
Venue: Welsh-Ryan Arena
DePaul Blue Demons vs Northwestern Wildcats: Prediction
The Wildcats have failed to score more than their total in seven of their last eight games played at home. The total has remained below the mark in the last four of their five games played against a team that has a losing record.
The Wildcats have a 6-4 record against the Blue Demons in their last 10 games. They are having a better season overall and it will be very difficult for DePaul to penetrate their strong defense. Expect a low-scoring encounter.