Big East Basketball Rankings: Is Villanova still on top after shaky start?

Big East Basketball Rankings: Is Villanova still at the top after shaky start?

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 05: The Villanova Wildcats student section attempts to distract Shizz Alston Jr. #10 of the Temple Owls (not pictured) during a foul shot in the first half at Finneran Pavilion on December 5, 2018 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3 of 11

PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 21: Cain #11 of the DePaul Blue Demons drives. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

DePaul has played the fewest games out of all the Big East schools and that might be a reason for why they are higher on this list than they normally would be. But, it is also important to mention that the Blue Demons have actually looked pretty solid so far this year. Led by the senior trio of Max Strus (18.8 points, 7.4 rebounds), Eli Cain (14.3 points, 5.0 assists), and Femi Olujobi (10.7 points, 4.7 assists), the team currently stands at 5-1.

Sure, they are still the lowest-rated team in the conference on KenPom but the record speaks for itself. They are just winning games so far this year. And that is more than you could say about some years in the past. Of course, their strength of schedule is very weak but can boast a home win over a Big Ten school in Penn State. The Nittany Lions might not be top-25 caliber but they represent one of the better non-conference wins for DePaul in recent history.

Additionally, the Blue Demons’ only loss to this point came on the road against Notre Dame. Nothing to worry about there. So, with this resume, DePaul has shown that they can win games against lowly competition but also snag the occasional solid victory. With Northwestern and Boston College left on the non-conference schedule, can the Blue Demons stay out of the bottom?

Home/Big East