Illinois vs. DePaul: College basketball game preview, TV schedule

Illinois basketball has been struggling of late in the Big Ten Conference. DePaul basketball has been struggling in the Big East Conference. Who will take the upper-hand in the battle between two Chicago-area programs?

TV schedule: Friday, Nov. 17 8:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Arena: State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois

Head coach Dave Leitao has been slowly trying to build a competent program in the DePaul Demon Deacons (1-1) that has been stuck near the bottom for over a decade. Which is somewhat difficult to understand, considering the talent-rich Chicago that’s right in their backyard.

However, there have been some signs of progress, including some decent recruits committing as well as getting some transfers to add in talent that wouldn’t have come to the program out of high school. The results are still very early, but they were very competitive in their home opener loss against No. 14 Notre Dame.

This squad has four different players in double figures, led by sophomore Tre’Darius McCallum, who leads the team so far with 13.5 ppg and 6.0 rpg. He’s joined by Max Strus (13.0 ppg) and Eli Cain (12.5 ppg) from the perimeter. One concerning early note is that only three players have hit a three-pointer, limiting their offensive potential.

Illinois basketball has a new head coach in Brad Underwood, and he inherits a team led by junior forward Leron Black, whose career-high 23 points helped the Fighting Illini stave off a furious comeback by UT-Martin. Illinois was up by 15 in the first half, only to hold on to a 77-74 win.

After Black (18.5 ppg), it’s a rather balanced attack that includes Wright State grad transfer Mark Alstork. He’s scored 20 points and is second on the team with 12 total rebounds so far. Underwood does not have the overall talent up and down the roster to win many games, so a collective effort is key to be in the top half of the Big Ten conference.

Next: 3 takeaways in Dukes win over Michigan State

Both teams likely won’t have much to play for when it comes to postseason aspirations, so this game carries extra weight. With this game being at Illinois, as well as them having the best player on the court, the edge should go to them. Don’t be surprised if the Blue Demons pull out a victory, however.

Prediction: Illinois 72 – DePaul 67

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