Blue Demons Secure First Win Against Villanova Since 2008

Tuesday, January 10

Chicago, Ill.

8:00 P.M. CT

DePaul University

8-9,2-4Big East

Villanova

8-9,2-4Big East

Villanova

DePaul

Blue Demons Secure First Win Against Villanova Since 2008

1/11/2023 1:27:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Box Score Final Box Postgame Notes vs. Villanova Press Conference Photo Gallery

Led by a career-high night from Nelson, DePaul wins 75-65

CHICAGO – A career-high night by Da'Sean Nelson led the DePaul men's basketball team to its first win over Villanova in 18 years, with a 75-65 win inside of Wintrust Arena Tuesday evening.

Nelson looked unstoppable for DePaul (8-9, 2-4 BIG EAST), recording 14 of his 24 points in the first half on 7-of-8 shooting. He also added eight rebounds and two assists. Javan Johnson followed with a sharp-shooting performance of 18 points that totaled four three-pointers. Eral Penn and Umoja Gibson rounded out double-digit scoring for DePaul with 11 and 10, respectively.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The first half was closely contested on both sides, with neither team leading by more than five. Despite DePaul holding a lead for a majority of the first half, Villanova (8-9, 2-4 BIG EAST) used a 9-0 run to pick up a one point lead at halftime.

The back and forth contest continued into the opening minutes of the second half, before DePaul eventually took control. The Blue Demons took control with a 40-38 lead on back-to-back baskets from Johnson. DePaul would not again relinquish the lead, growing it to as large as nine points on a 15-3 run.

DePaul found an answer for every Villanova run as the Wildcats continued to try to overtake the Blue Demons. Up three with three minutes left to play, Nelson and Penn laid in back-to-back baskets before solid free throw shooting sealed the victory for DePaul.

OF NOTE

DePaul's win Tuesday snapped a 22-game win streak for Villanova in the series.
It was DePaul's first win against the Wildcats since Jan. 3, 2008 and largest margin of victory all-time against Villanova.
The Blue Demons move to 6-2 on the season at home.
Villanova's 41.1 percent field goal percentage was its lowest against any BIG EAST team this season.
Gibson's 10 points secured his 100^th career game in double-digit scoring, doing so in 145 games played.

UP NEXT
The Blue Demons look to carry their momentum into a home matchup against Seton Hall on Saturday. The game is set for an 11 a.m. CT tip on FS1. Single-game tickets can be purchased at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets.