DePaul Finishes as Runner-Ups at Emerald Coast Classic

Saturday, November 29

Destin, Fla.

6 p.m.

DePaul University

5-3,0-0Big East

LSU

7-0,0-0SEC

DePaul

LSU

DePaul Finishes as Runner-Ups at Emerald Coast Classic

11/29/2025 9:08:00 PM | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Box Score Final Box (PDF)Postgame Notes (PDF)

Kruz McClure scores team-high 22 points Saturday

NICEVILLE, FLA. – DePaul men's basketball concluded action at the Emerald Coast Classic as runners-up, Saturday evening. The Blue Demons fell to LSU (7-0) in a 96-63 contest. Layden Blocker was named to the All-Tournament team after averaging 12.0 points and 2.5 assists throughout the tournament while shooting 57.1 percent from the floor.

DePaul (5-2) was led in scoring by freshman Kruz McClure who recorded a career-high 22 points in addition to three assists on two steals. The freshman recorded his second career double-digit game and first with 20 or more points.

HOW IT HAPPENED
LSU (7-0) jumped out to an early 10-4 lead that would continue to grow, as DePaul's rotation was affected early following foul trouble and an injury. The Blue Demons offense saw initial success from Layden Blocker with two made field goals, but LSU's advantage grew behind their field goal percentage above 60 percent. The Tigers top-10 offense continued in the second half, growing its lead. DePaul shot 50 percent in the second-half as a team, however, couldn't inch any closer to the Tigers.

OF NOTE

McClure's 22-point outing was the most by a DePaul freshman since Eli Cain on Feb. 27, 2016. Additionally, 20 of his 22 points came in the second half.
CJ Gunn tied a career-high three blocks while McClure and Lorenz each had personal best two steals.

UP NEXT
DePaul returns home for a Dec. 6 tilt against Arkansas Pine-Bluff. The Blue Demons tip at 8 p.m. on truTV.