For the first time in recent memory, the DePaul Blue Demons might be the best looking college basketball team in Chicago. While Illinois lost its third straight game to Minnesota last week and Northwestern lost its third straight to Purdue, DePaul scored the city its lone college hoops win with a 69-63 victory at Rutgers. The win improved the Blue Demons to 11-9 and them the program its second Big East win.
Here's a look at the coming games this week for Illinois, Northwestern and DePaul:
Illinois Fighting Illini
Tuesday, January 31: Vs. No. 10. Michigan State
The Spartans head to Champaign with Bruce Weber's team badly in need a victory to keep their tournament odds looking good. Michigan State has won its last two games, and previously defeated the same Minnesota team that knocked off Illinois last week.
Sunday February 5: Vs. Northwestern
The football rivalry, this is not. Northwestern started off 8-0, but a slide in conference play means the program's steak of not getting a berth for the NCAA Tournament will reach another year.
Northwestern Wildcats
Thursday, February 2: Vs. Nebraska
The Cornhuskers have won two of their last three, including a shocking upset over No. 13 Indiana. Bo Spencer does most of the scoring for Nebraska, averaging over 14 points per game.
Sunday February 5: Vs. Illinois
DePaul Blue Demons
Wednesday, Feburary 1: Vs. St. John's
St. John's is 9-12 and presents another opportunity for the Demons to grab a conference win. The Red Storm have lost five of their last six.
Saturday February 4: @ Cincinnati
The Bearcats have lost three straight. Local product Dion Dixon enters as Cincinnati's second leading scorer with an average at 13.6 points per game.