Xavier Tops Blue Demons Saturday Afternoon

Saturday, January 11

Chicago, Ill.

3 p.m.

DePaul University

9-8,0-6Big East

Xavier

10-7,2-4Big East

Xavier

DePaul

NJ Benson looks for a teammate to pass to

1/11/2025 6:10:00 PM | MEN'S BASKETBALL

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Gunn leads DePaul with 16 points

CHICAGO – Despite a 16-point, seven rebound performance by CJ Gunn, the DePaul men's basketball team was defeated by Xavier at Wintrust Arena, 77-63, Saturday afternoon. Gunn set a new personal-best with his seven rebounds, while recording his second-straight game of 15 or more points.

Gunn was joined in double-digit scoring efforts by Jacob Meyer and NJ Benson with 14 and 13, respectively. Benson also contributed five rebounds, three blocks and a career-high two steals.

HOW IT HAPPENED
DePaul (9-8, 0-6 BIG EAST) opened the game with strong shooting, going 3-of-3 in the opening minutes for a 7-5 lead. With the game tied at nine apiece, Conor Enright and Isaiah Rivera hit back-to-back three-pointers as DePaul held a 15-11 lead. Xavier's (10-7, 2-4 BIG EAST) leading scorer Zach Freemantle stopped a two minute scoring drought and pulling within a point, 15-14. After forcing six Xavier turnovers in the opening quarter of the game, DePaul held onto a 20-19 lead with a three-pointer by CJ Gunn. Following that period however, Xavier took their first lead of the game on a three-pointer by Jerome Hunter and would not relinquish it back. The Musketeers ended the half on a 21-3 run for a 38-23 advantage.

After Xavier scored a quick seven points to open the second half, DePaul's offense got clicking with a 10-0 run that included six points, two rebounds, a steal, assist and block by NJ Benson. With just an 11-point advantage, Xavier immediately answered with a three-pointer to keep an 14-point advantage. Another run by the Musketeers would put the game out of reach from the Blue Demons.

OF NOTE

DePaul tallied 17 assists, assisting on 80 percent of its made field goals.
Benson has recorded four games of 10 or more points in his last five played.
Meyer hit his 15th game of the season scoring in double-digits.
Layden Blocker tallied four assists, his personal best in a conference game.

UP NEXT
DePaul has a quick turnaround as they welcome #7 Marquette to Wintrust Arena on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The game is slated to tip off at 6 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.