The Sun’s Arizin: Villanova Basketball’s DePaul Win Streak On The Line

TGIF Nova Nation! Saturday marks the return of one of my favorite Villanova rivalries as they take on the DePaul Blue Demons on the road. No, I’m not suggesting that DePaul is a rival for Villanova. This rivalry is Villanova vs. The Streak.

Villanova has won Twenty consecutive games against DePaul, dating back to January of 2008. That’s right, Villanova has not lost to DePaul for 14 years. Surprisingly though, that’s not the longest win streak the Big East has ever seen. There have been some pretty lengthy win streaks over the years, but Villanova has a chance to tie the longest streak this season if they can rack up three wins over the Blue Demons:

Longest Big East Win Streaks

• Syracuse over Seton Hall: 23 Games, 1982-1992 (11 Years)
• UConn over Boston College: 23 Games, 1988-2000 (13 Years)
• Syracuse over Providence: 21 Games, 1980-1989 (10 Years)
• Villanova over DePaul: 20 Games, 2008-2020 (Active)

DePaul got a reprieve from the yearly beatdowns last season as they faced a number of COVID pauses that led to the cancelation of both of their games with the Wildcats. And not seeing this team for a while could be one of many elements that make me think this game is no lock for the Wildcats.

Villanova is coming off a huge blowout win that put them back in first place in the conference. Now they go on the road on two days rest with their 6th man coming off COVID. Smells like a trap game. Additionally, DePaul has played better this season than their 0-3 Big East record would suggest. New head coach Tony Stubblefield has had the Blue Demons ranked at 102nd in KenPom, the third highest rating they’ve had during their epic losing streak to Villanova. Also, DePaul plays at an absolute break-neck pace and thrives as a transition team, an area where Villanova has struggled defensively. Don’t get me wrong, Villanova will certainly be favored going into this one. That said, it’s not like every game vs DePaul has been a blowout.

As I mentioned, the teams didn’t face each other last season. However, in 2020 Villanova barely survived a four point Overtime win at home against the Blue Demons. That game was saved by a 21 point outing by Collin Gillespie, and the Wildcats will likely need their leader to again pace the team to secure their 21st consecutive victory over DePaul.

In other news, Josh Hart’s jersey is headed to the rafters, Arch finally signs with the Knicks, and here comes DePaul. Enjoy!

Villanova vs DePaul

DePaul looks to knock off No. 19 Nova | The Inquirer
No. 19 Villanova looks to give DePaul its eighth straight loss to ranked opponents

No. 19 Villanova, relying on new leaders, preps for DePaul | Yahoo! Sports
Justin Moore continues to show why he's on the verge of becoming the next standout for No. 19 Villanova. With Collin Gillespie scoreless midway through the second half, Moore took over and carried the Wildcats past Creighton 75-41 on Wednesday. Moore finished with 22 points, though Gillespie, a Player of the Year candidate, did finish with 11.

Villanova vs. DePaul: Live Stream, TV Channel, Start Time | Sports Illustrated.
Find out how to watch, live stream or TV channel and game time information for the January 8, 2022 college basketball matchup between Villanova and DePaul.

Villanova defeats Creighton

Wildcats Crush Creighton 75-41 for Wright's 500th Win | villanovan.com
Villanova cruised past Creighton Wednesday night, 75-41, giving coach Jay Wright his 500th with the Wildcats, as he became the first coach in program history to reach the milestone. Junior

Moore, Samuels lead No. 19 Villanova to rout of Creighton | The Kansas City Star
Justin Moore scored 22 points and Jermaine Samuels added 18 to lead No. 19 Villanova to a 75-41 victory over Creighton.

Creighton handed first Big East loss of the season | NEWS CHANNEL NEBRASKA
The Creighton men's basketball team suffered its first Big East loss of the season on Wednesday, falling 75-41 at No. 19 Villanova.

Villanova Men’s Basketball

Villanova to Retire Hart's Jersey on January 19 | Villanova University
Maryland native starred at Villanova from 2013-17

Villanova basketball to honor Josh Hart by retiring jersey during Marquette game in January | The Inquirer
Hart was the leading scorer of the 2016 NCAA title team. Brandon Slater will be allowed to keep using Hart's No. 3.

NBA Wildcats

Villanova Grad Ryan Arcidiacono Inks 10-Day Contract With Knicks | Radnor, PA Patch
Villanova Grad Ryan Arcidiacono Inks 10-Day Contract With Knicks - Radnor, PA - The former Wildcats standout and Chicago Bulls guard had been playing this season for the NBA G League's Maine Celtics.

Chasing All-Star Berths a Thing of the Past for Kyle Lowry | Sports Illustrated
After being an All-Star mainstay, Kyle Lowry likely to miss the event for a second straight season

Villanova Athletics

2022 Big East Preview | Lacrosse Bucket
(Photo Courtesy of Georgetown Athletics) Since the advent of the modern-day Big East, there have primarily been two teams who have dominated on the lacrosse field: Denver and Georgetown. The Pioneers won the conference title in 2014 as well as in 2015 when they won the national title. In recent years, the Hoyas have become…