College basketball preview: DePaul, NIU

DePaul (7-7, 0-2) at Villanova (12-1, 1-0)When: 7 p.m. at The Pavilion TV: DirecTV Ch. 639 and 725; Radio: WSCR 670-AMSkinny: This is life in the Big East. On Sunday, the Demons had to prepare for 13th-ranked Georgetown's big guys and Princeton-style offense. Today, the Demons have to beware sixth-ranked Villanova's gaggle of star guards. Scottie Reynolds, who hit big shot after big shot late when Villanova sleepwalked most of the way through its 74-72 win at DePaul last Feb. 26, leads the Wildcats with 17.6 ppg. They boast five double-figure scorers, including sixth man Taylor King (11.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg). The Demons are still adjusting to life without sophomore PG Mike Bizoukas, who's out for the year with a knee injury. DePaul needs all the guards it can play today, so look for Will Walker and Jeremiah Kelly to play as close to 40 minutes as they can.Northern Illinois (3-8) at Chicago State (5-10)When: 7 p.m. at the Jones Convocation CenterRadio: WLBK 1360-AMSkinny: The Cougars boast the better record, but it includes three wins over non-Div. I opponents. NIU has been playing better lately with 2 wins and a solid loss to Temple. Junior guard Xavier Silas, the MAC West's player of the week, owns 69 points in his last 3 games. Nonetheless, this could be one of the less efficient offensive games of the year as Chicago State shoots just 38 percent overall and 23 percent on 3-pointers. NIU's recent play has improved its numbers to 39 percent overall and 24 percent on 3-pointers. This is the Huskies' last tuneup for MAC play.