DePaul University Athletics
Pregame Read: DePaul vs. Longwood
3/25/2019 5:06:00 PM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
Blue Demons and Lancers set for 7 p.m. start at McGrath-Phillips Arena
CHICAGO - Looking to keep their season going, DePaul and Longwood tip off at 7 p.m. this evening at McGrath-Phillips Arena in the quarterfinals of the Roman College Basketball Invitational. Here are three stats and storylines to get you ready for the game.
Â
What Happened Last Time Out?: Last Wednesday against Central Michigan, the Blue Demons ran away with the result in the second half, using .667 (22-33) shooting over the final 20 minutes to get the job done. For DePaul, Max Strus led all scorers with 33 points, as the senior knocked down seven three-pointers, one shy of his personal record of eight. Following the game, coach Dave Leitao discussed the win, praising the trio of Devin Gage, Eli Cain, and Strus for generating offense all evening.
Â
"It was Devin, it was Eli, and it was Max driving the ball, getting it into the teeth of the defense, drawing two or three defenders and then making smart plays from there," Leitao said. "Max was really good, as he has been the last part of the season, particularly from three point range and so you put that together, we were able to get 100 points on the board, and play enough defense to hold them off."
Â
The Strus Has Been Loose: With Wednesday's 33-point effort, Max Strus has put together a stretch of performances this month that can stand neck and neck with the best of his career. In the month of March, Strus has finished with at least 30 points on three separate occasions, as the senior has averaged 27.8 points per game in five March contests. Following the win over Central Michigan, Strus spoke on the groove he has found himself in lately.
Â
"[My confidence] is at its highest," Strus said. "It always should be. I believe in myself, my teammates believe in me, coaches believe in me, so there shouldn't be a lack of confidence any day."
Â
The Opponent: Longwood enters Monday evening's matchup with a 16-17 record on the season including a 5-11 mark in 16 Big South Conference games. For the Lancers, junior guard Shabooty Phillips leads the way with 13.8 points per game over 33 starts this season. Phillips also leads the Lancers in assists with 125.
Â
Â
What Happened Last Time Out?: Last Wednesday against Central Michigan, the Blue Demons ran away with the result in the second half, using .667 (22-33) shooting over the final 20 minutes to get the job done. For DePaul, Max Strus led all scorers with 33 points, as the senior knocked down seven three-pointers, one shy of his personal record of eight. Following the game, coach Dave Leitao discussed the win, praising the trio of Devin Gage, Eli Cain, and Strus for generating offense all evening.
Â
"It was Devin, it was Eli, and it was Max driving the ball, getting it into the teeth of the defense, drawing two or three defenders and then making smart plays from there," Leitao said. "Max was really good, as he has been the last part of the season, particularly from three point range and so you put that together, we were able to get 100 points on the board, and play enough defense to hold them off."
Â
The Strus Has Been Loose: With Wednesday's 33-point effort, Max Strus has put together a stretch of performances this month that can stand neck and neck with the best of his career. In the month of March, Strus has finished with at least 30 points on three separate occasions, as the senior has averaged 27.8 points per game in five March contests. Following the win over Central Michigan, Strus spoke on the groove he has found himself in lately.
Â
"[My confidence] is at its highest," Strus said. "It always should be. I believe in myself, my teammates believe in me, coaches believe in me, so there shouldn't be a lack of confidence any day."
Â
The Opponent: Longwood enters Monday evening's matchup with a 16-17 record on the season including a 5-11 mark in 16 Big South Conference games. For the Lancers, junior guard Shabooty Phillips leads the way with 13.8 points per game over 33 starts this season. Phillips also leads the Lancers in assists with 125.
Â
Players Mentioned
Chris Holtmann Media Availability - Monday, April 27
Monday, April 27
DePaul Men's Basketball Game Highlights vs. Georgetown - 03.11.26
Thursday, March 12
Men's Basketball Media Availability: Chris Holtmann & NJ Benson 03.09.26
Monday, March 09
Men's Basketball vs Butler Postgame Press Conference
Sunday, March 08