“Well, the first timeout was about our defensive game plan,” Pizzotti said. “Against Villanova, we didn’t want to help the drivers and allow them to kick threes because they’re an excellent three-point shooting team. So we, you know, we just made a couple of defensive mistakes, and then the ball wasn’t falling early. So I just wanted to, like, get the game stop, get back with them, and then tell them to dig in, work to execute the defensive game plan and that you guys did create good shots, so just stay with it and continue to move the ball and the next shot’s going to go down.”

Thankfully for DePaul, Villanova has not been on a big scoring run this quarter like they have been in other quarters. DePaul has scored eight points while Villanova has scored nine. Five minutes left to go in the game.

DePaul has improved their field goal percentage by only 0.5% since halftime (20.5%). Villanova was able to score 20 points in the third quarter, while DePaul only scored 11 points. The Blue Demons are now 0-for-12 from the three-point line — the Wildcats are 5-for-17 (29.4%).

With the start of the third quarter, Villanova has already scored nine points with a little more than two minutes in. This makes Jill Pizzotti call her third timeout of the game. 7:29 left to go in the third quarter.

Heading into halftime, DePaul is 6-for-30 (20%) and Villanova is 16-for-28 (57.1%). The Blue Demons have yet to make a 3-pointer (0-for-9). The highest scorers are Gina Davorija and Natiah Nelson with four points apiece. Both teams have eight turnovers and five steals.

The Blue Demons have been 3-for-3 within the past two minutes or so. Sophomore guard Natiah Nelson currently leads the team with four points. A little more than six minutes to go in the second quarter.

DePaul is now 1-for-19 (5.3%). Villanova is not struggling as much as DePaul is; they have scored six points so far this quarter, which caused Jill Pizzotti to call a timeout. A little more than eight minutes left until halftime.

The Blue Demons are currently 1-for-16 (6.3%), compared to the Wildcats’ 8-for-16 (50%). Five of DePaul’s seven points are free throws. Not an ideal start for the Blue Demons.

DePaul finally makes two shots — two free throws from Gina Davorija — while Villanova has been cursing along and is 6-for-8 (75%). Less than six minutes to go in the first quarter.

DePaul head coach Jill Pizzotti calls the first timeout of the game just a bit more than a minute in. Villanova has made one three-pointer and two 2-pointers so far — they’re 3-for-3 compared to DePaul’s 0-for-3. 8:28 left in the first quarter.

DePaul Blue Demons starters:

• Gina Davorija, freshman guard
• Alayna West, redshirt freshman guard
• Devin Hagemann, sophomore guard
• Kate Novik, junior guard
• Meg Newman, graduate forward

Villanova Wildcats starters:

• Jasmine Bascoe, sophomore guard
• Brynn McCurry, junior forward
• Kennedy Henry, freshman guard
• Kelsey Joens, junior guard
• Denae Carter, senior forward

Tip-off between DePaul’s Meg Newman and Villanova’s Denae Carter is won by DePaul.

The game starts NOW!

Doug Bruno, the DePaul women’s basketball coach from 1988-2024 and current special assistant to the vice president/director of athletics for women’s basketball, is announcing for today’s game on ESPN+.

Shakara McCline, who has been a big three-point shooter for DePaul, is out for today’s game, the Big East conference reported. Senior guard Kate Clarke, who has yet to play this season, and redshirt junior guard Aizhanique Mayo, who hasn’t played since Nov. 26, are still out. There hasn’t been a timetable for their returns.

• DePaul ranks second in the Big East with 14.2 offensive rebounds per game.
• Redshirt freshman guard Alayna West has 35 steals (2.23 per game) so far this season, which ranks second amongst Big East players.
• Junior guard Shakara McCline has made 10 3-pointers in her last three games — she’s made 44% of her 3-pointers in her four appearances so far this season.