Northwestern Wilcats vs Depaul Blue Demons Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Northwestern prepares for rivalry game vs. struggling DePaul

Northwestern’s senior guard Brooks Barnhizer looks to extend his impressive streak of four consecutive double-doubles as the Wildcats face off against DePaul on Saturday in Evanston, Illinois. With a strong recent performance and a history of dominance in the rivalry, Northwestern (8-3) is ready to defend its turf against a DePaul team (8-3) eager to bounce back from a tough loss.

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Barnhizer’s Defensive Mindset Fuels Northwestern

Brooks Barnhizer’s recent success hasn’t come solely from his scoring ability. While his offensive contributions have been significant, he credits his focus on defense for maintaining consistency during scoring droughts.

“Coach [Chris Collins] does a great job reminding us to stay confident, even if the shots aren’t falling,” Barnhizer said. “It’s all about sticking to our identity and playing strong defense.”

This defensive-first philosophy has been instrumental in the Wildcats’ recent form, with Barnhizer averaging 19.7 points and maintaining his streak of double-doubles across the past four games.

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DePaul’s Challenges After a Tough Loss

DePaul enters the matchup hoping to recover from a lopsided 89-61 defeat to St. John’s. The Blue Demons struggled on offense, shooting just 39.2% from the field and attempting a season-low 20 shots from beyond the arc.

Despite these struggles, St. John’s coach Rick Pitino highlighted DePaul’s shooting ability.
“Our staff prepared for this game as if it were the last of the season because of their shooting potential,” Pitino said.

Reserve guard Layden Blocker led DePaul with 17 points against St. John’s, while Conor Enright added 12. The Blue Demons will need stronger performances from their top players to challenge Northwestern.

A Rivalry With History and Momentum

The rivalry between Northwestern and DePaul has been heated, with DePaul holding an all-time series lead of 21-16. However, Northwestern has dominated in recent years, winning six of the last seven games.

Last season, the Wildcats secured a 56-46 victory on the road, with Nick Martinelli scoring a game-high 16 points off the bench. Head coach Chris Collins improved his record against DePaul to 6-2, further cementing his tactical edge in these matchups.

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Northwestern’s Offensive Versatility

Nick Martinelli, Northwestern’s leading scorer at 20.4 points per game, has been a consistent force for the Wildcats. He recently tallied 16 points in a neutral-court win over Georgia Tech, contributing to the team’s adaptability on offense.

Head coach Chris Collins praised his team’s ability to find solutions on the offensive end.
“We just find a way offensively to figure it out,” Collins said. “We have a unique team with talented players, and we’re still discovering the best ways to utilize them.”

With Martinelli and Barnhizer both averaging nearly 20 points per game, Northwestern’s balanced attack could pose significant challenges for DePaul.

What to Watch For

1. Northwestern’s Defense: The Wildcats’ defensive tenacity, led by Barnhizer, could stifle DePaul’s shooting opportunities.
2. DePaul’s Response: After a disappointing loss, will the Blue Demons bounce back with improved offensive execution?
3. Rivalry Stakes: Northwestern’s recent dominance adds pressure on DePaul to reclaim momentum in this historic rivalry.
4. Key Players: The performances of Martinelli and Barnhizer for Northwestern, and Blocker and Enright for DePaul, will be pivotal.

Conclusion

Northwestern enters Saturday’s game with confidence, backed by a solid defense and consistent performances from key players like Brooks Barnhizer and Nick Martinelli. DePaul, meanwhile, aims to overcome its recent struggles and reignite its shooting potential. With historical bragging rights and current form on the line, this matchup promises to deliver intense action and high stakes.