Chicago City Wire

Villanova Pulls Away Late Against DePaul

 Despite a closely fought game, DePaul men's basketball dropped its road matchup against Villanova, 81-65, Wednesday evening. The Blue Demons held the lead for over 15 minutes in a game that featured 11 lead changes and three ties.

Javan Johnson and Umoja Gibson combined for 36 of DePaul's 65 points, each scoring 18. Gibson hit a career milestone in the second half with his 2,000 career point, becoming the 20th active Division 1 player to reach the mark. Eral Penn nabbed a game-best nine rebounds.

HOW IT HAPPENED

DePaul took an early 21-12 lead that included seven points by Johnson. The Wildcats surge back to take their first lead of the game, 28-22, with seven minutes left in the half on a 16-1 run. Villanova held onto a three-point halftime lead as both teams had nearly identical 48.3 percent shooting.

DePaul retook the lead before the first media timeout in the second half on a four-point play by Gibson. The game became a back-and-forth contest as DePaul held onto a one-point advantage, 49-48 with 12 minutes left to play. Villanova separated themselves with back-to-back three pointers following the under-eight timeout. DePaul got as close as four, thanks to a Johnson three-pointer, before Villanova ended the game on a scoring run.  

 

OF NOTE

• Gibson is the second active player to reach 2,000 career points and 150 career games played.
• Penn surpassed 800 career rebounds, sitting at 804 in his career and nearing 200 on the season with 184.
• DePaul has recorded double-digit assists in 22 of the team's 25 games this season. The Blue Demons finished tonight with 12.

UP NEXT

The Blue Demons have nearly a week before its next game as they host St. John's on Feb. 14, 2023. The game, sponsored by Bumble, will be celebrated as Billy Blue Demon Night with an 8 p.m. tip off on FS1. Single-game tickets for upcoming games can be purchased at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets.

 

Original source can be found here