DePaul Blue Demons vs Northwestern Wildcats Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our DePaul vs Northwestern NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Evanston.

DePaul vs Northwestern Prediction

Looking to win big? The Blue Demons and Wildcats face off at 4:00 ET on BTN. The Wildcats are hosting the game at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL. The over/under for this game is set at 136.5 points, and Northwestern is favored by -7 against DePaul in a non-conference matchup.

DePaul vs. Northwestern Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: DePaul Blue Demons at Northwestern Wildcats
Where: Evanston at Welsh-Ryan Arena
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Betting Odds NW -7, DEPAUL +232 | NW -287 O/U 136.5

Blue Demons Preview: Can the Blue Demons Lock in a Road Win?

DePaul’s season record dropped to 8-3 after an 89-61 road loss to St. John’s on Tuesday. The Blue Demons entered the game as +12 underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 150, just under the 150.5 O/U line.

DePaul trailed 40-29 at halftime and struggled defensively in the 2nd half, allowing 49 points while scoring 32.

Blue Demons Offense Breakdown

DePaul's offense struggled in their last game, putting up just 61 points on 39.2% shooting from the field. They hit 30% from beyond the arc, connecting on 6 of 20 attempts, and their effective field goal percentage was 45.1%.

RJ Luis Jr. led the team with 19 points, shooting 63.6% from the floor. Kadary Richmond added 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Layden Blocker contributed 17 points. Simeon Wilcher was efficient, hitting 7 of 9 shots, including 2 of 3 from deep.

Blue Demons Team Defense

DePaul's defense struggled, giving up 89 points on 55% shooting from the field. They allowed 59% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 34 of 57 shots.

From beyond the arc, DePaul held their opponent to 30% shooting, with just 3 made threes on 10 attempts. However, they also sent them to the line 21 times, where they made 12 free throws.

Wildcats Preview: Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Wildcats?

Northwestern improved to 8-3 on the season with a 71-60 win over Georgia Tech on Sunday, December 15th. Playing at home, the Wildcats entered the game as -6.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.

Northwestern led 31-26 at halftime and scored 40 points in the 2nd half while allowing 34. The game’s total points of 131 fell short of the 138.5 O/U line.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Northwestern put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 40% from the field and 40.9% from beyond the arc, connecting on 9 of 22 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 46.2%, with two-point shooting at just 39.5% (17/43).

Brooks Barnhizer led the Wildcats with 20 points and 10 rebounds, despite shooting 6/18 from the field. Lance Terry added 17 points, while Nick Martinelli and Jalen Leach each contributed 16, with Martinelli hitting 7 of 12 shots and 2 of 3 from three-point range.

Wildcats Team Defense

Northwestern's defense held firm, giving up just 60 points while allowing their opponent to shoot 40% from the field on 26 of 65 attempts. Inside the arc, they limited scoring effectively, with the opposition hitting only 39% of their two-point shots, going 17 for 43.

From three-point range, Northwestern's opponent shot 40%, connecting on 9 of 22 attempts. The Wildcats also sent them to the line 16 times, where they made 10 free throws, shooting 62%. Northwestern gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.

Blue Demons vs Wildcats Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last three road games, DePaul has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 0-3 while averaging 60 points per game.
Through their last five home games, Northwestern has an ATS record of just 2-3. However, their overall record was 1-4 while averaging 67 points per game.
The last three games that DePaul was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 1-2 while going 0-3 straight up.
In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Wildcats have a strong straight up record of 4-1. In addition, their ATS record was 3-2 in these scenarios.