DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
12-11,4-8Big East
St. John's
17-5,10-1Big East
Strong Defensive Effort Not Enough Against #22 St. Johns'
2/3/2026 10:17:00 PM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO – Despite a strong defensive effort, DePaul men's basketball couldn't hold off No. 22 ranked St. John's Tuesday evening at Wintrust Arena, falling 68-56 to the Red Storm
DePaul (12-11, 4-8 BIG EAST) was led by Layden Blocker with his seventh-straight game of 10 or more points, finishing with 13. Blocker added five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Brandon Maclin paced the Blue Demons on the glass with a team-high nine rebounds to go with seven points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Blue Demons connected on early field goals from Blocker and Théo Pierre-Justin, while holding St. John's to a 1-of-6 start from the field, for an early lead. A pair of finishes from CJ Gunn kept DePaul in front, 12-10.
The game settled into a back-and-forth battle with seven ties and six lead changes in opening half. A three-pointer from Kruz McClure pushed DePaul ahead, 22-19, but the Red Storm closed the half on a late run for a narrow 29-28 advantage.
St. John's seized control early in the second half with 12 unanswered points for a 46-35 lead. DePaul's defensive effort kept the margin within reach, and a trip to the free throw line from Kaleb Banks cut the deficit to single digits. Blocker followed with a block and driving layup to bring DePaul within six, but the Red Storm responded down the stretch to secure the 68-56 result.
OF NOTE
- The Blue Demons defense held St. John's to 30 percent from the floor in the first half – its lowest this season.
- Blocker recorded his 30th career game with 10 or more points and his 17th this season.
UP NEXT
DePaul looks to rebound with a road trip against Providence, Saturday, Feb. 7. The two teams square off on FS1 at 3 p.m. CT.
