Northwestern Edges DePaul in Thrilling Finish
Friday, November 14, 2025, 8:30 PM ET · Wintrust Arena
Northwestern Wildcats 81, DePaul Blue Demons 79, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Northwestern Wildcats vs DePaul Blue Demons?
Northwestern Wildcats beat DePaul Blue Demons 81-79 at Wintrust Arena on November 14, 2025.
In a closely contested matchup, the Northwestern Wildcats narrowly defeated the DePaul Blue Demons with a final score of 81-79 at Wintrust Arena. This game was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the Wildcats' perfect start to the season, improving their record to 5-0, while the Blue Demons fell to 2-3.
The Wildcats came into this game with a strong away record of 4-0 and were riding a three-game winning streak. In their last ten games, they have maintained a record of 7-3, averaging 73.4 points scored per game while allowing just 61.2 points. Their recent form has been impressive, with their last five games yielding an average of 78.2 points scored and only 59.2 points allowed. In contrast, the Blue Demons have struggled recently, holding a 5-5 record over their last ten games, with an average of 72.7 points scored and 73.9 points allowed. They have also been inconsistent at home, with a home record of 2-2.
Historically, this fixture has seen Northwestern hold the upper hand, winning the only previous meeting in the current season, where they defeated DePaul 84-64 on December 21, 2024. This prior result added an extra layer of pressure on DePaul to perform well at home and seek redemption. However, they were unable to overcome the Wildcats in this latest encounter.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details regarding player availability, but the performance of both teams was pivotal in this closely fought game. The conditions at Wintrust Arena were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams displaying high energy throughout the match.
As the game progressed, several key scoring plays defined the outcome. With the score tied at 79-79 late in the second half, Nick Martinelli made two crucial free throws, bringing the Wildcats ahead 81-79. Despite DePaul's efforts to reclaim the lead, they were unable to convert in the final moments, sealing their fate with a loss.
Betting lines prior to the game indicated that Northwestern was favored to win, reflecting their strong start to the season and recent form. The odds were provided by an unnamed sportsbook, highlighting the market's confidence in the Wildcats.
Viewers of the game witnessed a thrilling contest that showcased the resilience and skill of both teams, with Northwestern ultimately prevailing in a tightly contested finish. The close scoreline and the back-and-forth nature of the game made it a compelling watch for fans of college basketball.
Leaders
- PointsKruz McClure15DePaul Blue Demons
- AssistsThéo Pierre-Justin4DePaul Blue Demons
- ReboundsFabián Flores8DePaul Blue Demons
- PointsNick Martinelli24Northwestern Wildcats
- AssistsJayden Reid4Northwestern Wildcats
- ReboundsNick Martinelli5Northwestern Wildcats
Recent form
DePaul Blue Demons
Last 10: 5-5Streak L172.7 scored · 73.9 allowed per game3-3 at home
- L53-66vs Buffalo BullsNov 12
- W72-64vs Stonehill SkyhawksNov 8
- W92-62vs Chicago State CougarsNov 4
- L81-85at Creighton BluejaysMar 13
- W71-67at Georgetown HoyasMar 12
- W83-77vs Georgetown HoyasMar 8
- W80-77at Providence FriarsMar 5
- L65-75at Creighton BluejaysFeb 27
- L72-84vs Butler BulldogsFeb 23
- L58-82vs St. John's Red StormFeb 20
Northwestern Wildcats
Last 10: 7-3Streak W373.4 scored · 61.2 allowed per game3-2 away
- W110-63vs Cleveland State VikingsNov 11
- W76-52vs Boston University TerriersNov 7
- W70-47vs Mercyhurst LakersNov 4
- L63-70at Wisconsin BadgersMar 13
- W72-64at Minnesota Golden GophersMar 12
- L61-74at Maryland TerrapinsMar 8
- L69-73vs UCLA BruinsMar 4
- W68-57vs Iowa HawkeyesMar 1
- W75-63at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 26
- W70-49at Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
| 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 | Northwestern Wildcats | DePaul Blue Demons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-50 | 25-59 |
| Field goal % | 58 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 7-16 | 7-21 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 33 |
| Free throws | 16-24 | 22-27 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 18 |
| Assists | 17 | 16 |
| Steals | 6 | 3 |
| Blocks | 6 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 34 |
| Fouls | 26 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 5 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half44-47Layden Blocker made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half44-48Layden Blocker made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-48Arrinten Page made Dunk. Assisted by Jayden Reid.
- 2nd Half49-48Nick Martinelli made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Justin Mullins.
- 2nd Half51-48Arrinten Page made Layup. Assisted by Jayden Reid.
- 2nd Half53-48Arrinten Page made Layup. Assisted by Jayden Reid.
- 2nd Half53-50CJ Gunn made Jumper.
- 2nd Half54-50Arrinten Page made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-50Nick Martinelli made Layup.
- 2nd Half56-52Fabián Flores made Dunk. Assisted by Layden Blocker.
- 2nd Half56-54RJ Smith made Layup. Assisted by CJ Gunn.
- 2nd Half56-57Kaleb Banks made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half56-59Layden Blocker made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half57-59Jayden Reid made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-59Jayden Reid made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-62Kruz McClure made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Théo Pierre-Justin.
- 2nd Half61-62Jayden Reid made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half61-64Kruz McClure made Layup. Assisted by RJ Smith.
- 2nd Half62-64Nick Martinelli made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half63-64Jayden Reid made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half64-64Jayden Reid made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half65-64Angelo Ciaravino made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-64Tre Singleton made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Justin Mullins.
- 2nd Half68-66Layden Blocker made Layup.
- 2nd Half68-67Layden Blocker made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half70-67Arrinten Page made Layup.
- 2nd Half70-69NJ Benson made Dunk. Assisted by Kruz McClure.
- 2nd Half71-69Justin Mullins made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half71-72Brandon Maclin made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by NJ Benson.
- 2nd Half73-72Nick Martinelli made Jumper. Assisted by Jake West.
- 2nd Half73-73Kruz McClure made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half73-74Kruz McClure made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half73-76Fabián Flores made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half75-76Tre Singleton made Layup. Assisted by Angelo Ciaravino.
- 2nd Half77-76Tre Singleton made Layup. Assisted by Justin Mullins.
- 2nd Half79-76Jayden Reid made Layup.
- 2nd Half79-78Kruz McClure made Layup. Assisted by Fabián Flores.
- 2nd Half79-79Kruz McClure made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-79Nick Martinelli made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half81-79Nick Martinelli made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours DePaul Blue Demons, below favours Northwestern Wildcats.
Venue
- Wintrust ArenaChicago, IL
- Attendance5298
- OfficialsJohn Gaffney, Paul Szelc, Steve McJunkins
Elsewhere
- Projecting every Big East team's floor and ceiling for 2026-27
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season