![\"NCAA](\"https:\/\/images.deadspin.com\/tr:w-900\/28376684.jpg\")
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 <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\nDePaul might be playing its best basketball at the right time.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Meanwhile, Villanova must get back on track minus a key contributor.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n “Putting the team first, the program first.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “Matt is a tremendous person with an unbelievable work ethic,” Villanova coach Kevin Willard said. “We know he will be back better than ever.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n –Field Level Media<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n