NCAAB · Final

Villanova Tops DePaul in Close Contest

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 6:00 PM ET · Finneran Pavilion

Villanova Wildcats 71, DePaul Blue Demons 66, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won DePaul Blue Demons vs Villanova Wildcats?

Villanova Wildcats beat DePaul Blue Demons 71-66 at Finneran Pavilion on December 31, 2025.

Who was favored in DePaul Blue Demons vs Villanova Wildcats?

Villanova Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -950 (about 90% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Villanova Wildcats emerged victorious against the DePaul Blue Demons with a final score of 71-66. This game, held at Finneran Pavilion, showcased the Wildcats' strong home record of 11-2, while DePaul fell to 8-6 overall. Villanova's performance continues to reflect their solid form, having won nine of their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak leading into this contest.

Villanova has demonstrated impressive scoring ability, averaging 78.4 points per game over their last ten outings, while allowing an average of 65.8 points. Their recent victories include a 64-56 win against Seton Hall and a 76-66 win over Wisconsin, both of which contributed to their current momentum. At home, the Wildcats boast a perfect record of 7-0 this season, which further emphasizes their dominance on their own court.

On the other hand, DePaul's recent form has been less favorable, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games and currently on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 75.4 points per game during this stretch but allowed 70.5 points, indicating some defensive vulnerabilities. Their last two games resulted in losses against UConn and St. John's, which may have impacted their confidence coming into this matchup. DePaul's away record stands at 1-2, highlighting their struggles in hostile environments.

Historically, Villanova has had the upper hand in their recent meetings with DePaul, winning both encounters this season. The first matchup took place on January 4, 2025, where Villanova decisively won 100-56 at home. The second meeting on February 6, 2025, ended with a 59-49 victory for the Wildcats, further establishing their dominance over the Blue Demons.

In terms of player availability, both teams faced challenges with injuries that could have influenced their performance. However, the specifics regarding injuries were not detailed in the provided information.

The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Villanova favored by 12.5 points, with a total set at 139.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in Villanova's ability to secure a comfortable win, although the final score indicated a more competitive game than the spread suggested. The money line also favored Villanova at -950, while DePaul was listed at +625, underscoring the perceived disparity in team strength.

As the game progressed, viewers witnessed several key scoring plays that defined the match's closing moments. Notable contributions included free throws from Duke Brennan and Devin Askew, which helped Villanova maintain their lead in the final minutes. Layden Blocker of DePaul made several crucial shots, including a pull-up jumper and a layup, but it wasn't enough to close the gap.

Overall, this game highlighted Villanova's ability to perform under pressure at home, while DePaul will need to address their recent struggles as they move forward in the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	VILL -12.5	139.5 o -108 / u -112	DePaul Blue Demons +625 · Villanova Wildcats -950

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsTyler Perkins19Villanova Wildcats
AssistsTyler Perkins3Villanova Wildcats
ReboundsDuke Brennan12Villanova Wildcats
PointsCJ Gunn15DePaul Blue Demons
AssistsBrandon Maclin5DePaul Blue Demons
ReboundsFabián Flores8DePaul Blue Demons

Recent form

Villanova Wildcats

Last 10: 9-1Streak W378.4 scored · 65.8 allowed per game7-0 at home

W64-56at Seton Hall PiratesDec 24
W76-66vs Wisconsin BadgersDec 20
W79-61vs Pittsburgh PanthersDec 13
L61-89at Michigan WolverinesDec 9
W90-63vs Pennsylvania QuakersDec 7
W74-56vs Temple OwlsDec 1
W89-75vs Old Dominion MonarchsNov 26
W70-55at La Salle ExplorersNov 20
W87-77vs Duquesne DukesNov 16
W94-60vs Sacred Heart PioneersNov 12

DePaul Blue Demons

Last 10: 6-4Streak L275.4 scored · 70.5 allowed per game1-2 away

L54-72vs UConn HuskiesDec 21
L66-79at St. John's Red StormDec 17
W61-58at Wichita State ShockersDec 13
W92-49vs Morgan State BearsDec 10
W76-72vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsDec 7
L63-96at LSU TigersNov 30
W75-61vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsNov 29
W95-75vs Detroit Mercy TitansNov 23
W93-62vs Gardner-Webb Runnin' BulldogsNov 19
L79-81vs Northwestern WildcatsNov 15

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
St. John's	30-7	-	18-2
UConn	34-6	1	17-3
Villanova	24-9	3	15-5
Seton Hall	21-12	8	10-10
Creighton	16-18	9	9-11
DePaul	16-16	10	8-12
Butler	16-16	11	7-13
Providence	15-18	11	7-13
Marquette	12-20	11	7-13
Georgetown	16-18	12	6-14
Xavier	15-18	12	6-14

Box score

Stat	DePaul Blue Demons	Villanova Wildcats
Field goals	27-60	20-58
Field goal %	45	34
Three-pointers	5-19	10-23
Three-point %	26	43
Free throws	7-12	21-31
Free throw %	58	68
Rebounds	43	39
Offensive rebounds	12	15
Defensive rebounds	31	24
Assists	13	9
Steals	2	9
Blocks	7	3
Turnovers	14	8
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	8	19
Fast-break points	6	12
Points in the paint	36	16
Fouls	25	14
Largest lead	10	9
Lead changes	2	2
Time in front	72	25

How the scoring went

2nd Half34-31Tyler Perkins makes 28-foot three point jumper (Duke Brennan assists)
2nd Half36-31Brandon Maclin makes driving layup
2nd Half36-33Acaden Lewis makes 9-foot step back jumpshot
2nd Half38-33Layden Blocker makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half38-34Matt Hodge makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half40-34Brandon Maclin makes driving layup
2nd Half42-34NJ Benson makes 1-foot dunk (Layden Blocker assists)
2nd Half42-36Duke Brennan makes 8-foot hook shot
2nd Half42-37Matt Hodge makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half42-38Matt Hodge makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half44-38Kruz McClure makes driving layup
2nd Half45-38Brandon Maclin makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half45-40Devin Askew makes driving layup (Duke Brennan assists)
2nd Half47-40Brandon Maclin makes driving layup
2nd Half50-40RJ Smith makes 24-foot three point jumper (Layden Blocker assists)
2nd Half50-41Devin Askew makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half50-42Devin Askew makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half50-45Bryce Lindsay makes 23-foot three point jumper (Devin Askew assists)
2nd Half50-48Bryce Lindsay makes 25-foot three point jumper
2nd Half53-48RJ Smith makes 28-foot three point jumper (Layden Blocker assists)
2nd Half53-51Tyler Perkins makes 28-foot three point jumper (Duke Brennan assists)
2nd Half56-51Layden Blocker makes 26-foot three point jumper
2nd Half56-53Duke Brennan makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half56-56Tyler Perkins makes 25-foot three point jumper
2nd Half58-56Brandon Maclin makes driving layup
2nd Half58-59Devin Askew makes 26-foot three pointer
2nd Half58-60Tyler Perkins makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half58-61Tyler Perkins makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half60-61CJ Gunn makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot (RJ Smith assists)
2nd Half60-64Bryce Lindsay makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot (Tyler Perkins assists)
2nd Half60-65Matt Hodge makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half60-66Matt Hodge makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half60-67Matt Hodge makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half60-68Duke Brennan makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half60-69Duke Brennan makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half62-69Layden Blocker makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (RJ Smith assists)
2nd Half62-70Devin Askew makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half62-71Devin Askew makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half64-71Layden Blocker makes layup
2nd Half66-71Layden Blocker makes 11-foot jumper