DePaul University Athletics
Wednesday, March 4
7 p.m.
DePaul University
16-14,8-11Big East
57
vs
76
Villanova
23-7,14-5Big East
1
2
F
Villanova
26
50
76
DePaul
24
33
57
Photo by: DePaul Athletics
Photo by: DePaul Athletics
Photo by: DePaul Athletics
Photo by: DePaul Athletics
Photo by: Michael Glasgow
Photo by: DePaul Athletics
Photo by: DePaul Athletics
Photo by: Michael Glasgow
Photo by: DePaul Athletics
Photo by: DePaul Athletics
DePaul Drops Wednesday Night to Villanova
3/4/2026 9:51:00 PM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
Four Blue Demons score in double-figures
CHICAGO – Despite a 16-point performance by Brandon Maclin, DePaul men's basketball fell, 76-57, to Villanova Wednesday night at Wintrust Arena. The Blue Demons held Villanova to under 30 percent from the floor in the first half, but the Wildcats used a hot second half to pull away.
Maclin shot 50 percent from the floor in addition to five rebounds and four assists. DePaul's scoring effort included double-digit performances from NJ Benson, Layden Blocker and CJ Gunn. Benson posted 11 points and five rebounds on the night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
DePaul (16-14, 8-11 BIG EAST) held Villanova to 27.6 percent from the floor to open the first half as the Blue Demons took a 13-5 lead. A three-pointer from Kruz McClure extended the advantage, 18-10. Villanova (23-7, 14-5 BIG EAST) closed out the half on a 12-4 run in the final four minutes, taking a 26-24 halftime lead.
The Wildcats opened the second half with strong shooting to jump out to a 44-32 lead. DePaul fought back with strong defensive possessions, before a driving layup by Kruz McClure cut the game to 52-41. The Blue Demons later rattled of six-unanswered points, but couldn't ultimately halt Villanova's offense as the Wildcats pulled away for the final margin.
OF NOTE
UP NEXT
DePaul hosts Butler, Saturday, March 7 in an 11 a.m. CT tip at Wintrust Arena. Pregame, the Blue Demons will honor their four seniors – Kaleb Banks, NJ Benson, CJ Gunn and Brandon Maclin.
Maclin shot 50 percent from the floor in addition to five rebounds and four assists. DePaul's scoring effort included double-digit performances from NJ Benson, Layden Blocker and CJ Gunn. Benson posted 11 points and five rebounds on the night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
DePaul (16-14, 8-11 BIG EAST) held Villanova to 27.6 percent from the floor to open the first half as the Blue Demons took a 13-5 lead. A three-pointer from Kruz McClure extended the advantage, 18-10. Villanova (23-7, 14-5 BIG EAST) closed out the half on a 12-4 run in the final four minutes, taking a 26-24 halftime lead.
The Wildcats opened the second half with strong shooting to jump out to a 44-32 lead. DePaul fought back with strong defensive possessions, before a driving layup by Kruz McClure cut the game to 52-41. The Blue Demons later rattled of six-unanswered points, but couldn't ultimately halt Villanova's offense as the Wildcats pulled away for the final margin.
OF NOTE
- Maclin and Benson recorded their seventh-straight games with 10 or more points.
- Blocker and Gunn each recorded their 20th double-digit scoring game of the season.
- McClure tied his personal best with two steals.
UP NEXT
DePaul hosts Butler, Saturday, March 7 in an 11 a.m. CT tip at Wintrust Arena. Pregame, the Blue Demons will honor their four seniors – Kaleb Banks, NJ Benson, CJ Gunn and Brandon Maclin.
Team Stats
VU
DePaul
FG%
.456
.431
3FG%
.333
.125
FT%
.739
.688
RB
35
29
TO
11
16
STL
11
5
Game Leaders
Pts
16
FGM
5
3FGM
0
FTM
6
Pts
10
FGM
4
3FGM
0
FTM
2
Players Mentioned
F
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