DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
Loyola Marymount
Blue Demons Defeated in Hawaiian Finale
12/25/2014 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
HONOLULU - DePaul put five players in double-figures, but couldn't overcome a late run by Loyola Marymount in a 72-69 loss in the final game of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. Billy Garrett Jr. scored 16 points to lead the Blue Demons.
The first half played even with DePaul (6-7) taking a 31-29 lead at intermission. The Lions led by four points early in the game before the Blue Demons took a five-point advantage midway through the opening frame.
The Blue Demons opened the second half with three straight three-pointers and a dunk by Tommy Hamilton IV gave DePaul a 42-35 lead three minutes into the half. Loyola Marymount (4-8) closed the deficit over the next six minutes with Marin Mornar's bucket giving the Lions a one-point lead.
Loyola Marymount continued with an 11-3 run to build its largest lead of the game on a free throw by Ayodeji Egbeyemi. The free show made the score 59-50 with 6:23 left on the clock.
Durrell McDonald's three-pointer pulled the Blue Demons to within two points with 3:27 left, but the Lions answered with five straight points from Evan Payne to push the lead back to 66-59 with two minutes left.
Garrett added four rebounds and two assists to his 16 points while Jamee Crockett totaled 15 points with four steals. Hamilton totaled 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists. McDonald added 12 points and Myke Henry finished with 10 points.
Payne led Loyola Marymount with 24 points and Egbeyemi finished with 20 points.
DePaul returns to the mainland and begins BIG EAST action on New Year's Eve against Marquette at Allstate Arena. The 115th meeting between the Blue Demons and Golden Eagles is scheduled for a 4 p.m. CT start on FOX Sports 1 and WSCR 670 AM.
Postgame Notes: DePaul placed at least four players in double-figures for the ninth time in 13 games this season... DePaul's 14 free throw attempts matched a season low set at George Washington on Dec. 11... Tommy Hamilton IV played in his 45th career game... DePaul leads the series 5-3... the Blue Demons are 32-11 all-time against the current membership of the West Coast Conference.
