Nemesis Villanova standing in way of DePaul's continued ascent

Field Level Media|published: Tue 3rd March, 19:42 2026

Mar 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; DePaul Blue Demons forward NJ Benson (35) shoots during the second half against the Marquette Golden Eagles at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

DePaul might be playing its best basketball at the right time.

Meanwhile, Villanova must get back on track minus a key contributor.

The Blue Demons can record a third straight win by snapping their seven-game losing streak to the Wildcats on Wednesday night in Big East play at Chicago.

After totaling seven conference victories over the past three seasons, DePaul (16-13, 8-10 Big East) can match the school-record nine Big East victories from the 2006-07 season with one more win this week. The Blue Demons lost four straight from Jan. 28-Feb. 7 but are 4-1 since.

Following a one-point win at Creighton last Wednesday, DePaul held Marquette to 38.3%% shooting overall and 4-of-22 from 3-point range during Sunday's 62-51 road win. The Blue Demons, who have allowed an average of 64.2 points in the last five contests, are fifth in the conference standings and in position for a bye into the quarterfinals of next week's Big East tournament.

"We've got great kids who really care about this challenge in front of them to change the narrative," Blue Demons coach Chris Holtmann told Fox 32 Chicago.

"Putting the team first, the program first."

DePaul's NJ Benson is coming off his fifth double-double of the season and is averaging 17.4 points and 10.6 rebounds in the last five games. He scored 10 points with four boards during DePaul's 71-66 loss at Villanova on Dec. 31.

The Wildcats (22-7, 13-5) have lost just once in the last 30 matchups with the Blue Demons. However, Villanova has dropped two of three after winning six straight and was throttled 89-57 at then-No. 15 St. John's on Saturday.

Villanova shot 37%, committed 16 turnovers and allowed the Red Storm to go 8-of-15 from 3-point range. Making matters worse, freshman starter Matt Hodge, who averages 9.2 points and 3.6 rebounds while being a solid defender, sustained a season-ending knee injury in the contest.

"Matt is a tremendous person with an unbelievable work ethic," Villanova coach Kevin Willard said. "We know he will be back better than ever."

Leading Villanova scorer Tyler Perkins (13.3 ppg) was held to three points Saturday. He scored 19 while making 4 of 6 in the first matchup versus DePaul this season.

--Field Level Media