DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Roll on Field Trip Day
12/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO Behind an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double from Natasha Williams, the DePaul women’s basketball team posted an 85-42 victory over visiting Southern Illinois on Friday. The win was witnessed by students from across Chicagoland as DePaul University welcomed the youngsters to its annual “Field Trip Day” at McGrath Arena.
DePaul (6-2) took a commanding 52-23 lead at halftime with Williams, Deirdre Naughton and Rachel Pierson all reaching double-figures in the first half. A bucket by Williams gave the Blue Demons their first double-digit lead at 23-13 midway through the opening frame. The basket jump-started the DePaul offense as the Blue Demons outscored the Salukis, 29-10, over the remainder of the half.
The Blue Demons turned up the offense another notch in the second half as they combined for a sizzling .591 field goal percentage. DePaul knocked down 13-of-22 attempts while the Salukis were able to connect on only 6-o-f-31 shots (.194) in the second period.
DePaul’s lead grew as high as 45 points on three separate occasions with a jumper by Courtney Webb giving the Blue Demons an 81-36 advantage with just over five minutes left.
Williams went 7-for-9 from the field and 4-of-6 from the free throw line for her 18 points. Naughton added 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists while Pierson finished with 18 points and eight boards. Felicia Chester blocked three shots to go along with seven boards and four points.
Erica Smith led Southern Illinois (2-3) with 11 points and six rebounds.
The Blue Demons take the short trip up the CTA’s Red Line for a Sunday afternoon game at Loyola-Chicago. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Gentile Center and the game can be seen live on Lakeshore Public TV.