Blue Demons Win Thriller in Non-Conference Contest

Saturday, December 13

Wichita, Kan.

11a.m.

DePaul University

8-3,0-0Big East

Wichita State

6-5,0-0American

DePaul

Wichita St.

Blue Demons Win Thriller in Non-Conference Contest

12/13/2025 2:09:00 PM | MEN'S BASKETBALL

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

DePaul defeats Wichita State for its first road win of the season

WICHITA, KAN. – DePaul men's basketball closed out its non-conference slate with a big road victory at Wichita State, 61-58, Saturday afternoon. The Blue Demons defense held its second-straight opponent to under 60 points, marking a season low for the Shockers (6-5) offense.

DePaul (8-3) was boosted by an 18-point performance from CJ Gunn, including a 6-of-7 showing in the first half. NJ Benson had another outstanding performance with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting with three rebounds. RJ Smith rounded out the double-digit scoring, tying his seson high 10-points.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Wichita State came out quick to open the game to a 14-2 lead, the Blue Demons never hesitated though, immediately firing back with Gunn's offensive power. Off the bench, Gunn checked in for a quick 12 points to power a 21-3 DePaul run, giving the Blue Demons a lead they would not relinquish. After taking the lead, Benson and Smith hit a pair of baskets to close out the first half with a five-point DePaul advantage.

The second half saw a strong start from DePaul, with Blocker and Benson putting up early baskets for a seven-point, 40-33, advantage. Wichita State didn't quit, however, with a 7-0 run cutting the game to one possession with 13 minutes to play. The game became a back-and-forth affair, but DePaul's defense held Wichita State from ever tying the contest. Kruz McClure had a key steal with two minutes remaining, before Gunn knocked down two free throws to seal the victory.

OF NOTE

Kaleb Banks had a season-high five rebounds and three assists.
The Blue Demons move to 6-0 this season when holding their opponent under 65 points.
DePaul moves to 6-4 in the all-time series against the Shockers, and wins its first game at Wichita State.
The team has held back-to-back non-conference opponents under 60 points for the first time since 2019.

UP NEXT
DePaul opens BIG EAST play Tuesday, Dec. 16 with an early conference test against reigning league champion, St. John's. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on Peacock.