Northwestern (5-2) hosts DePaul (4-1) tonight looking to maintain its perfect home record this season.
Dave Leitao’s squad has defeated some mid-majors in Milwaukee (Horizon), Missouri State and Drake (Missouri Valley) but also lost to Rutgers. Yes, Rutgers.
Led by Tre Demps and Aaron Falzon, the Wildcats snuck by the Blue Demons in overtime last year, 78-70. The game was played at DePaul’s temporary home, Allstate Arena, which, coincidentally, will serve as Northwestern’s home arena next season.
This year’s iteration of the Blue Demons is led by 6-foot-6 sophomore guard Eli Cain, who is averaging 21.2 points per game. He’s shooting over 57 percent from the field and 55 percent from three. Billy Garrett Jr. and Darrick Wood both average double digits as well. The Blue Demons are very lanky on the wing, with six guards listed at 6-foot-6 or above.
Though the Blue Demons are 189th in Kenpom, they should provide Northwestern with a decent test, especially because the hosts will be playing their first game without center Dererk Pardon, who underwent successful hand surgery on Thursday.
Broadcast Information:
Game time: 6 p.m. CT
TV Channel: Big Ten Network
Online streaming: BTN2Go
Radio: 720 WGN, 89.3 WNUR
Betting line: Northwestern -14