DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
2-3,0-0Big East
Middle Tennessee
3-2,0-0CUSA
DePaul’s Ferocious Comeback Falls Short
11/19/2023 9:08:00 PM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Blue Demons 20-2 fourth quarter run not enough
Paradise Island, Bahamas — DePaul's fierce comeback came up just short on Sunday evening as the Blue Demons used a 20-2 run in the final five minutes of the game to give themselves a chance in a 71-69 loss to Middle Tennessee at the 2023 Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis.
Trailing by 20 with 5:44 remaining in the game, DePaul applied their patented full court pressure and forced seven Raiders turnovers while hitting five triples and going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line to make it a one-possession game in the end.
Three Blue Demons finished in double figures led by Anaya Peoples 18 points in addition to her six rebounds, three blocks and three steals. Michelle Sidor netted a career-high 17 points on 5-for-6 shooting from behind the three-point line. Sidor and Peoples netted nine points apiece in the fourth quarter run.
Graduate forward Jorie Allen tallied 13 points to go with six rebounds.
DePaul (2-3) saw 15 points of production from their bench while blanking Middle Tennessee's reserves. The Blue Demons outscored the Raiders 23-5 in fast break points.
Middle Tennessee put four in double figures led by Ta'Mia Scott's 20 points.
How it Happened
The Raiders hit five of their first eight field goal attempts to jump out to a 14-4 lead and force a DePaul timeout with three minutes gone by in the first quarter. Sidor knocked in a triple with less than a minute remaining to bring the Blue Demons within five, but MTSU held a 25-18 lead after a quarter.
Middle Tennessee (3-2) used a 15-3 run to take a 17-point advantage before Maeve McErlane dropped in a runner through the lane to end DePaul's scoring drought. Peoples notched her third field goal of the contest to send the Blue Demons into halftime trailing 45-31.
Both sides struggled to find the bottom of the net in the third quarter, with each team going without a field goal for the final two and a half minutes. The Raiders took a 58-42 advantage into the final quarter of play.
A trio of MTSU triples to start the fourth period stretched the deficit to the largest of the game, 67-45. DePaul went on an 18-2 run over a four-minute span to cut it to four, 71-67 with 38 seconds to go before freshman Charlece Ohiaeri sank a pair of free throws to make it a one-possession ballgame. The Blue Demon defense stood tall to force one more stop, but time expired before DePaul could get a shot off.
UP NEXT
The Blue Demons will close out their stay at the Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis on Monday, Nov. 20 against Howard. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CST with coverage carried live on FloHoops.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
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2023-24 TICKET INFORMATION
Season ticket renewals for the 2023-24 women's basketball season have concluded. Current ticket holders that have yet to renew can call the ticket office to secure new seats for the upcoming season.
Those looking to purchase NEW 2023-24 season tickets can do so online or over the phone by speaking with a DePaul Athletics Ticket Representative. Season Tickets are on sale now and start at just $99 per seat! Celebrate the 50th season of DePaul Women's Basketball and commit to the Blue Demons today!
The DePaul Athletics Ticket Office is also accepting $50 deposits for Group Outings or Luxury Suite Rentals. Mini plan, group tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now.
Fans can visit DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets for more information.
