DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
2-5,0-0Big East
Loyola Chicago
2-5,0-0Atlantic 10
DePaul Offense Stymied in Setback Against Loyola Chicago
11/26/2025 1:51:00 PM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO – DePaul women's basketball found itself in a physical, low-scoring matchup at Wintrust Arena on Wednesday, falling 61-49 to Loyola Chicago. The Blue Demons battled back from an early deficit with a strong second-quarter push, but consistent offense proved difficult to generate as DePaul was held to a season-low 49 points on 35-percent shooting from the floor.
Kate Novik and Meg Newman led DePaul with nine points each, with Novik adding eight rebounds and a game-high six assists. Redshirt-freshman Alayna West totaled eight points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. As a team, the Blue Demons assisted on 90 percent of their made field goals, finishing with 18 assists on 20 baskets.
Loyola (2-5) had three players score in double figures, led by Alexa Kinas and Alex-Anne Bessette with 16 points apiece.
How It Happened
After knocking down the first bucket of the game, the Blue Demons struggled to find an offensive rhythm as Loyola used a 7-0 run to take a 9-5 lead midway through the opening quarter. A seven-minute scoring drought left DePaul trailing 16-5 at the end of the first.
DePaul (2-5) regrouped in the second quarter, opening with a 6-0 run sparked by a four-point play from West. The Blue Demons forced seven Loyola turnovers in the frame, and a sustained 10-0 surge pulled the halftime margin to just 24-23.
DePaul continued its defensive success early in the third quarter, holding Loyola to four points over the first seven minutes. Novik connected on a three-pointer to give the Blue Demons a 30-29 lead, their first advantage since 5-2, before Loyola closed the period ahead 38-34.
Newman powered the Blue Demons' offense early in the fourth, scoring nine points to trim the deficit to 54-49. However, Loyola closed the game on a 7-0 run as DePaul missed its final seven field goal attempts, sealing the 61-49 result.
Up Next
The Blue Demons hit the road Sunday to close out the month of November with a visit to five-time Ivy League champion Princeton. Tipoff from Jadwin Gymnasium is set for 12 p.m. CT, with coverage available on ESPN+.
Follow the Blue Demons
For all the latest information on DePaul women's basketball, please visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Ticket Information
Season tickets for the 2025-26 DePaul women's basketball season are on sale now, starting at just $115. Season ticket holders receive access to every game at Wintrust Arena and exclusive benefits. Secure your seats today at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets.
Group ticket options are also available for parties of 10 or more, making it easy to bring your team, company or friends to a game. Explore all group ticket options at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Groups.
Flex plans, mobile passes and single-game tickets are also on sale. To stay up to date, sign up for DePaulAthletics email updates or text alerts.
Follow the Blue Demons
For all the latest information on DePaul women's basketball, please visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Ticket Information
Season tickets for the 2025-26 DePaul women's basketball season are on sale now, starting at just $115. Season ticket holders receive access to every game at Wintrust Arena and exclusive benefits. Secure your seats today at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets.
Group ticket options are also available for parties of 10 or more, making it easy to bring your team, company or friends to a game. Explore all group ticket options at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Groups.
Flex plans, mobile passes and single-game tickets are also on sale. To stay up to date, sign up for DePaulAthletics email updates or text alerts.
