DePaul University Athletics
Sunday, October 19
Chicago, Ill.
6 p.m.
DePaul University
0-0,0-0Big East
92
vs
90
Loyola Chicago (Exh.)
0-0,0-0Atlantic 10
1
2
OT 1
F
Loyola Chicago
35
46
9
90
DePaul
37
44
11
92
Blue Demons Show Toughness in Exhibition Win Over Loyola Chicago
10/19/2025 10:36:00 PM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
DePaul defeats Loyola in an overtime contest in the South Loop
CHICAGO – DePaul men's basketball showed its tenacity and fight in an early-season exhibition win over cross-town foe, Loyola Chicago, Sunday night at Wintrust Arena. Down by as much as 11 in the second half, the Blue Demons fought back to take a lead and force overtime in a game that had 17 lead changes and 16 ties. DePaul saw 10 of its 11 players who entered the contest score, including five in double-digit scoring.
RJ Smith led the Blue Demons in DePaul fans first look at the junior guard with 18 points, including three three-pointers and a pair of steals. He was joined in double-digit scoring by fellow newcomer Kaleb Banks with 14 points and DePaul's top three returners from last season in Layden Blocker, CJ Gunn and NJ Benson.
HOW IT HAPPENED
DePaul took a 37-35 lead into halftime, but saw Loyola open the second half with nine unanswered points to move in front, 44-37. The Ramblers stretched their advantage to 51-42 before Banks sparked the Blue Demons on an offensive put back and four points at the free throw line, keeping the game within seven, 57-50.
Trailing 63-54 with under eight minutes remaining, DePaul erupted on a 14-2 run powered by eight points, a steal and an assist from Smith to reclaim a 67-65 lead. The teams traded attacks late, with DePaul forcing a key turnover down four in the final 30 seconds. Blocker converted a layup through contact and the ensuing free throw to keep DePaul in front, 80-79. After Loyola split a trip at the line, two more Blocker free throws sent the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Brandon Maclin put DePaul ahead early with a pair of free throws before Benson sealed the exhibition victory with four late makes and a clutch block by Smith.
OF NOTE
UP NEXT
DePaul has its final preseason tune-up with a Friday, Oct. 24 exhibition at Notre Dame. The game is set for a 5 p.m. CT tip from South Bend.
The Blue Demons' regular season opens at home on Nov. 3 against Chicago State at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now at DePaulBlueDemons.com/MBBTickets.
RJ Smith led the Blue Demons in DePaul fans first look at the junior guard with 18 points, including three three-pointers and a pair of steals. He was joined in double-digit scoring by fellow newcomer Kaleb Banks with 14 points and DePaul's top three returners from last season in Layden Blocker, CJ Gunn and NJ Benson.
HOW IT HAPPENED
DePaul took a 37-35 lead into halftime, but saw Loyola open the second half with nine unanswered points to move in front, 44-37. The Ramblers stretched their advantage to 51-42 before Banks sparked the Blue Demons on an offensive put back and four points at the free throw line, keeping the game within seven, 57-50.
Trailing 63-54 with under eight minutes remaining, DePaul erupted on a 14-2 run powered by eight points, a steal and an assist from Smith to reclaim a 67-65 lead. The teams traded attacks late, with DePaul forcing a key turnover down four in the final 30 seconds. Blocker converted a layup through contact and the ensuing free throw to keep DePaul in front, 80-79. After Loyola split a trip at the line, two more Blocker free throws sent the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Brandon Maclin put DePaul ahead early with a pair of free throws before Benson sealed the exhibition victory with four late makes and a clutch block by Smith.
OF NOTE
- Despite struggling in the first half with free throws (shooting 11-of-20), DePaul closed out the game with 76.7 percent in the remaining 25 minutes.
- DePaul nabbed 12 steals as a team, led by four from Blocker and two apiece from Banks, Smith and Lorenz.
- The Blue Demons assisted on 19 of 25 made field goals for a 76 percent assist rate.
UP NEXT
DePaul has its final preseason tune-up with a Friday, Oct. 24 exhibition at Notre Dame. The game is set for a 5 p.m. CT tip from South Bend.
The Blue Demons' regular season opens at home on Nov. 3 against Chicago State at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now at DePaulBlueDemons.com/MBBTickets.
Team Stats
Loyola
DePaul
FG%
.536
.410
3FG%
.556
.333
FT%
.625
.680
RB
32
35
TO
21
11
STL
5
12
Game Leaders
Pts
16
FGM
5
3FGM
0
FTM
6
Pts
14
FGM
4
3FGM
0
FTM
6
Players Mentioned
F
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