DePaul University women’s basketball looks to extend its undefeated 3-0 record this Wednesday, Nov. 11, when the Blue Demons host Northern Illinois at Wintrust Arena. Tipoff for the in-state matchup is set for 6 p.m., with the game broadcast on ESPN+ as DePaul prepares for a high-profile showdown later this week.
The Blue Demons enter Wednesday’s contest with momentum after winning 95-63 against Stonehill this past Sunday, according to DePaul Athletics. DePaul has maintained an offensive rhythm, averaging 90.7 points per game while showcasing a passing-heavy attack that leads the Big East with 27.7 assists per game.
Who leads the Blue Demons on the court?
First-year guard Mikaia Litza has emerged as a central figure for DePaul, currently leading the team with 15.7 points and 7.3 assists per game. Her performance against Stonehill—where she tallied 15 points and seven assists—mirrored the output of teammate Kate Clarke, who also scored 15 points while shooting 5-of-6 from the field.
The interior presence has been equally imposing. Zoey Ward recorded her second double-double against Stonehill with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Louis Volker continues to provide a steady hand, averaging 12.7 points and a team-best 10.3 rebounds. Volker’s consistency earned her a spot on the Big East Honor Roll this past Monday.
How do the Huskies respond to their recent loss?
Northern Illinois arrives in Chicago holding a 1-1 record, looking to rebound from a 69-54 loss at Bradley last Friday, as reported by NIU Athletics. Head coach Jacey Brooks, in her second season with the Huskies, faces a DePaul squad that has assisted on 83 of its 101 made field goals this year.
The Huskies’ offensive output is spearheaded by Leah Middleton, a transfer from Binghamton who is averaging 16.0 points per game. Middleton previously notched a career-high 22 points in the team’s season-opening 76-71 win over Indiana State on Nov. 2. Freshman Laniah Davis also provides a spark off the bench, having earned Horizon League Freshman of the Week honors after scoring 20 points in her collegiate debut.
What is the history of this in-state rivalry?
Wednesday’s game marks the 44th meeting between the two programs, with DePaul holding a 35-8 edge in the all-time series. While the Blue Demons have historically dominated, Northern Illinois claimed the most recent victory, an 86-79 win on Nov. 12, 2022, in DeKalb.
The two teams last played at Wintrust Arena on Dec. 16, 2021, where DePaul secured a decisive 103-71 win. The current roster dynamics suggest a different tactical battle, as DePaul emphasizes high-volume ball movement, while Northern Illinois looks to improve its 34.5 percent shooting performance from their previous outing at Bradley.
| Category | DePaul Blue Demons | Northern Illinois Huskies |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 3-0 | 1-1 |
| Leading Scorer | Mikaia Litza (15.7 PPG) | Leah Middleton (16.0 PPG) |
What challenges await after Wednesday?
After the Wintrust Arena game, DePaul plays a national opponent. The Blue Demons are scheduled to face No. 13 Notre Dame in the Shamrock Classic on Saturday, Nov. 14, in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. That matchup will be broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock at noon CT.
Northern Illinois will return to the Convocation Center to host SIUE on Tuesday, Nov. 17. For fans planning to attend Wednesday’s game in Chicago, single-game tickets remain available via DePaulBlueDemons.com. Kenny McReynolds and Max Thoma are set to provide the commentary for the ESPN+ broadcast.
