DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Run Past Saint Xavier
11/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO It was no treats for Saint Xavier on Halloween as DePaul built an early lead and rolled to a 87-61 exhibition win on Friday at McGrath Arena. Deirdre Naughton led three players in double-figures with 22 points as the Blue Demons led by 20 at halftime.
DePaul started off slow with three turnovers in the first four possessions. Natasha Williams scored on the block to cut the early deficit to 5-4 before Erin Hannemann scored on a put back to give the Cougars the three-point edge.
Williams was just getting started as she scored on DePaul’s next possession and then blocked two consecutive shots by Saint Xavier. Two free throws by Abiola Amure put the Cougars up, 9-8, before the Blue Demons answered with nine straight points en route to a 18-3 run that over the next eight minutes to open up the lead for the remainder of the night.
DePaul steadily increased its advantage with five straight points on a three-pointer and lay-up by Deirdre Naughton giving the Blue Demons a 43-24 lead just before intermission. The junior guard turned in a solid first half with 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and two blocked shots.
The second-half lead grew as high as 27 points on a basket by Rachel Pierson midway through the second half. Saint Xavier was able to pull within 18 points, but could get no closer.
Naughton finished the evening with a game-high 22 points along with seven assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Williams added 15 points and seven boards while freshman Keisha Hampton came off the bench for 10 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Saint Xavier was led by Kathlyn McClain with 19 points and Amure added 15 points.
DePaul plays the second of its two-game exhibition schedule on Friday against the University of Chicago. Tipoff at McGrath Arena is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Following the women’s game, the DePaul men’s team hosts Lewis University in an exhibition game.
