DePaul's Defense Shines in Dominant Tuesday Win

Tuesday, December 9

Chicago, Ill.

7 p.m.

DePaul University

7-3,0-0Big East

Morgan State

1-8,0-0MEAC

Morgan St.

DePaul

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Ilija Milijaševic attempts a three pointer.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Théo Pierre-Justin pushes the ball up the court.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Brandon Maclin, Isaiah Medina, Nate Kasher, Khaman Maker, and Jeremy Lorenz celebrate.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

NJ Benson, Théo Pierre-Justin, RJ Smith, Layden Blocker, and Kruz McClure prepare for the game.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

DePaul's Defense Shines in Dominant Tuesday Win

12/9/2025 10:29:00 PM | MEN'S BASKETBALL

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Blue Demons hold Morgan State to 20 percent shooting

CHICAGO – DePaul men's basketball delivered a dominant performance Tuesday night at Wintrust Arena, holding Morgan State to just 20 percent shooting from field in a 92-49 victory.

DePaul (7-3) was led by a season-high 18 points from Kaleb Banks who notched 4-of-6 shooting and a perfect 8-of-8 performance at the free throw line. CJ Gunn and Layden Blocker also contributed double-digit scoring efforts with seven additional Blue Demons scoring five or more points in a balanced attack. DePaul shot a near-season best 55.3 percent from the floor with 11 made three-pointers.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Blue Demons set the tone early, holding Morgan State (1-8) without a field goal for the first 14 minutes of the game while building a 35-6 advantage. After a couple trips to the free throw line for Morgan State, DePaul posted a 22-0 run that was highlighted by back-to-back threes from Gunn and RJ Smith. DePaul shot 59.1 percent in the opening half and allowed just two made field goals.

DePaul maintained control throughout the second half, fueled by early baskets from NJ Benson and a three-point play from Blocker. Morgan State attempted to chip away, but the Blue Demons lead grew with another burst of perimeter shooting from Gunn and freshman Kruz McClure.

OF NOTE

DePaul had 21 assists on 26 made field goals, bettering one of the nation's strongest assist rates.
Morgan State's 11 made field goals are the fewest ever against a Chris Holtmann led team.
Gunn had his seventh game this season with 10 or more points while Blocker registered his seventh.
McClure made his first career start as the Blue Demons used their fifth different starting lineup of the season.

UP NEXT
DePaul faces its first road test of the season as the Blue Demons travel to Wichita, Kan. for a Saturday matchup against Wichita State. The game is set for an 11 a.m. tip on ESPNU.