After coming off a big win over St John's on Sunday, the DePaul Blue Demons have grabbed attention as the new favorites in the Big East. DePaul is a team that can score the ball in many different ways, and finds ways to defeat tough Big East rivals. They were welcomed on Thursday evening by the Seton Hall Pirates, and came in with a 4-2 Big East record. The team has improved since the start of the season and was looking to pull another Big East upset.
DePaul came out of the gate running to start the first half. DePaul took early control of the contest thanks to a 10-0 run. DePaul was led by Billy Garret Jr. who was on fire all of the first half. Garret finished the first half with 11 points and 3 rebounds. The Blue Demons did a great job of forcing turnovers in the first half. In the first have forcing turnovers were proven rewarding for DePaul as they accounted for 13 of DePaul's 36 points. DePaul can thank Jamee Crockett for that as he had 5 steals in the first half. As a team DePaul shot 43 percent from the field and 16 percent from beyond the arc in the first half.
Seton Hall started off the first half sluggish, but improved as the half progressed. After allowing DePaul to take a 26-16 lead the Pirates then were able to cut the lead down to 31-29. The good news for the Pirates was they were killing DePaul on the glass at halftime. The bad news was they couldn't get the lid off the basket from beyond the arc. The Pirates were 0/8 from beyond the arc and couldn't break the slump. In the first half Seton Hall shot 35 percent from the field. DePaul led Seton Hall 36-33 at the break.
DePaul came out ready to play in the second half and started it off with a 5-0 run which forced Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard to call a quick timeout. Seton Hall then came out of that timeout timeout and took control to go on a 12-0 run.The contest was very back and fourth from that point until Seton Hall went on a 10-1 run to take a 55-47 lead with 5:48 left. The defense of Seton Hall was then able to hold the Blue Demons without a field goal for more than five minutes.
However, the Blue Demons got back into the game, courtesy of good defense and clutch plays. DePaul was then able to retake the lead with 1:49 left after a basket from Darrick Wood. Wood and Rashaun Stimage were each able to hit clutch free throws in the closing seconds to secure the Blue Demons lead. Seton Hall turned the ball over on two possessions with a chance to tie the game. DePaul outscored Seton Hall 17-5 in the final five minutes.
The win moves the Blue Demons to 5-2 in conference play, which is their best start since joining the Big East.
Statistical Leaders: DePaul was led by Myke Henry who had 14 points and 8 rebounds. Billy Garret Jr. also contributed for the Blue Demons with 13 points. Angel Delgado led Seton Hall with 19 points. Khadeen Carrington added 12 points for the Pirates.
Next Games:
DePaul @ Xavier on 1/24/15
Seton Hall @ Butler on 1/25/15