DePaul Defense Not Enough Against Villanova

Wednesday, February 5

Chicago, Ill.

8 p.m.

DePaul University

11-13,2-11Big East

Villanova

13-10,6-6Big East

Villanova

DePaul

2/6/2025 12:25:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL

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CHICAGO – Despite a strong defensive effort, the DePaul men's basketball team couldn't overtake Villanova Wednesday evening inside Wintrust Arena as the Wildcats had a 59-49 victory.

David Thomas scored a team-high 16 points off the bench, handily surpassing his season-high. Thomas notched four made three-pointers for his 15th career game with 10 or more points while having an onslot of season-highs including field goals made, blocks and steals. CJ Gunn made his presence known defensively with a career-high five steals, in addition to his ninth-straight game with 10 or more points.

HOW IT HAPPENED
DePaul's (11-13, 2-11 BIG EAST) defense came out strong, forcing five turnovers from Villanova (13-10, 6-6 BIG EAST) in the opening five minutes of the game. Thomas made the Blue Demons first three pointer for DePaul's first lead of the game, 11-9. The Wildcats wasted no response with a three to take back the lead. With the game tied at 22 a piece, Villanova hit three-straight field goals for the three-point advantage they would take into halftime.

After opening the second half with a pair of three-pointers, DePaul was held scoreless for a stretch as Villanova opened to a six-point, 38-32, lead. Chris Riddle responded with a three-pointer, but DePaul wouldn't get any closer before Villanova stretched its lead to eight points. The Blue Demons didn't show any quit, inching closer with another three from Thomas and a three-minute field goal drought for Villanova. The Wildcats would however use a pair of three-pointers from Tyler Perkins and Eric Dixon to secure the 10-point victory.

OF NOTE

DePaul held back-to-back BIG EAST opponents under 60 points for the first time since the 2006-07 season.
Villanova is the only team this season to defeat DePaul when scoring 59 or less points. The Blue Demons were previously 4-0 when holding opponents to that mark.
Gunn's five steals mark the most by a DePaul player this season.
Shorthanded due to injuries, DePaul used its ninth different starting lineup of the season and played eight of its nine available players.

UP NEXT
DePaul will have a week to prepare for its next contest, against top-10 opponent Marquette. The Blue Demons will tip off from Fiserv Forum on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. on Peacock.