DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
Norfolk State
Men's Basketball Defeats Norfolk State in St. Thomas
11/23/2015 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
ST. THOMAS, USVI - DePaul held off a barrage of second-half three-pointers from Norfolk State to take an 82-78 decision on the final day of the Paradise Jam. Billy Garrett Jr. and Tommy Hamilton IV combined for 42 points to lead the Blue Demons while Aaron Simpson knocked down three critical free throws to seal the win.
Rashaun Stimage got going early in the game scoring DePaul's first two baskets. Norfolk State scored nine of the next 11 points of the game with Zaynah Robinson's basket putting the Spartans ahead by seven with 11:37 left in the first half.
A jumper by Hamilton and back-to-back three's by Myke Henry led the Blue Demon comeback. Henry's second three tied the score at 20-20 at the eight-minute mark.
DePaul (2-3) held Norfolk State scoreless over the final three minutes of the first half and took a 38-31 lead into the lockerroom.
The Blue Demons kept up the pressure early in the second half and took a 14-point advantage on a Simpson layup with just under 11 minutes left on the clock.
Norfolk State quickly erased the deficit by scoring on six straight possessions with five three-pointers and a three-point play. Jeff Short's three tied the score at 66-66 with 7:38 left in the game.
The Blue Demons attempted to pull away again when Hamilton scored on a layup to make the score 74-69 in favor of DePaul. Norfolk State answered with seven straight points and two free throws by Jeff Short gave the Spartans a two-point lead with 2:22 left.
A layup by Hamilton tied the score on DePaul's next possession before Garrett drained a long three-pointer to make the score 79-76 with a minute to go in the game.
After Simpson made one of two free throws to put the Blue Demons up 80-78, Henry swatted a layup attempt by Zaynah Robinson and Simpson was fouled gathering the rebound. Simpson made both attempts for the 82-78 win.
Hamilton didn't miss a shot going 8-for-8 en route to 20 points. He added five rebounds and a blocked shot in 31 minutes of action. Garrett scored 22 with seven assists and four rebounds while Simpson added a dozen points, four boards, two assists and a steal.
Taylor led Norfolk State (1-4) with 23 points and Charles Oliver scored 20 for the Spartans.
Up next for the Blue Demons is a road game at UIC on Dec. 2. The Blue Demons and Flames are scheduled for a 7 p.m. at the UIC Pavilion on Comcast SportsNet Chicago Plus and WYLL 1160 AM.
Postgame Notes: Tommy Hamilton IV recorded his second career game without a miss from the field (minimum five attempts)... he also went 7-for-7 at Chicago State on Dec. 4, 2014... the 20 points marked his third career 20-point game... Billy Garrett Jr. recorded his sixth career 20-point game... DePaul is 3-3 all-time at the Paradise Jam… the Blue Demons finished third in 2009… Monday was the first meeting between the two programs… DePaul is 3-2 all-time against teams from the MEAC.
