Chicitysports
  • BEARS
  • BULLS
  • BLACKHAWKS
  • CUBS
  • WHITE SOX
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Navigation
  • About Us
  • Chicago Sports News
  • Chicago Sports Podcasts
  • ChiCity+
  • Get In Touch
  • Join Our Group
  • Newsletter
  • Our Writers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending
  • Denver Broncos favored to beat the Bears week 4
  • Chicago Bears: 0 studs and 3 duds after an embarrassing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs
  • Chicago Bears fans call for coaching changes in Week 3
  • REPORT: Chicago Bears HR involved in Alan Williams decision to resign
  • From A Distance: Rockies making Cubs well again
  • Marcus Stroman is back to Starting for the Chicago Cubs
  • From A Distance: Two great things happen to Cubs
  • Surprise defender named top graded player on Bears defense
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Our Writers
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
ChicitysportsChicitysports
  • BEARS

    Denver Broncos favored to beat the Bears week 4

    September 24, 2023

    Chicago Bears: 0 studs and 3 duds after an embarrassing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs

    September 24, 2023

    Chicago Bears fans call for coaching changes in Week 3

    September 24, 2023

    REPORT: Chicago Bears HR involved in Alan Williams decision to resign

    September 24, 2023

    Surprise defender named top graded player on Bears defense

    September 22, 2023
  • BULLS

    Rumor: Bulls trying to get in on the Damian Lillard Sweepstakes

    September 20, 2023

    Why is Lonzo Ball promoting Big Baller Brand again?

    September 20, 2023

    Paris Saint-Germain unveils 2023-24 Jordan Brand kit

    September 19, 2023

    The Chicago Bulls season is less than 30 days away, are they ready for the season?

    September 18, 2023

    LOOK: Michael Jordan shows up to Bristol Motor Speedway for NASCAR race

    September 16, 2023
  • BLACKHAWKS

    Blackhawks Lose Associate General Manager before Preseason Begins

    September 21, 2023

    Chicago GM Davidson says Blackhawks focus is on development

    September 19, 2023

    Chicago Blackhawks: Kyle Davidson makes major announcement on 2023-24 team captain

    September 19, 2023

    Connor Bedard puts on a show in his Blackhawks debut

    September 17, 2023

    Blackhawks receive green light on Fifth Third Arena expansion

    September 14, 2023
  • CUBS

    From A Distance: Rockies making Cubs well again

    September 23, 2023

    Marcus Stroman is back to Starting for the Chicago Cubs

    September 23, 2023

    The Depleted and Failing Chicago Cubs Bullpen

    September 22, 2023

    From A Distance: Cubs’ playoff hopes hanging on a highwire

    September 22, 2023

    Blackhawks Lose Associate General Manager before Preseason Begins

    September 21, 2023
  • WHITE SOX

    White Sox Hire New Assistant GM

    September 19, 2023

    White Sox Game Last Night in D.C. has Fans Debating on Social Media

    September 19, 2023

    Mike Clevinger Accomplished a Rare Feat Monday Night

    September 19, 2023

    Chicago White Sox Reliever, Knowingly Pitched Through Injury

    September 14, 2023

    White Sox Fans Grill Team After New General Manager Announcement

    August 31, 2023
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Chicitysports
Home»Other»DePaul has a new lease on life
Other

DePaul has a new lease on life

Zack PearsonBy Zack PearsonJanuary 15, 20144 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Email
purnell
purnell
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
DePaul head coach Oliver Purnell has led the Blue Demons to a 10-8 (2-3 Big East) record (photo courtesy of Google)
DePaul head coach Oliver Purnell has led the Blue Demons to a 10-8 (2-3 Big East) record this season (photo courtesy of Google)

 

Question….. When was the last time you read the following about DePaul men’s basketball “The Blue Demons have won their last two conference games” ? It’s been a while since you’ve read that headline, six years to be exact. But on Tuesday night, the Demons made that headline a reality in a hard fought 77-75 victory over St. John’s at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

The Demons embodied the blue collar mentality of Chicago basketball by their style of play against the Red Storm. Not only did Oliver Purnell’s squad give a total team effort, they also hustled on both ends of the floor, played fundamental defense, efficient offense, and didn’t let a little adversity get them down.

This game featured 16 ties and 15 lead changes, most of which came in the second half. But when it mattered most, DePaul found a way to score at will, make the big play, and assert themselves in defense of their home court. Tuesday’s win accomplished yet another round of broken streaks for this program.

The biggest and most important streak being that the Blue Demons have won back-to-back Big East Conference games for the first time since January of 2008. They have also equaled their conference win total from last season (two games) and are now 10-8 overall (DePaul won only 11 games last season).

Having more than one or two players providing the spark for this team has paid dividends. Depth was an issue for Purnell’s team last season, this season he can’t seem to find enough playing time for everyone which could be a good thing. The resurgence of freshman guard Billy Garrett Jr. has been especially delightful. After being held scoreless (on 0-for-10 shooting) against Creighton eight days ago, the 19-year-old has scored 20-plus points in each of these last two games.

Senior forward Cleveland Melvin has been a defensive machine as he has totaled 24 rebounds and eight blocked shots during this win streak. Senior guard Brandon Young has been a nice compliment to Garrett as he has averaged 18.5 points during this stretch. Freshman center Tommy Hamilton IV has also made his presence felt as he has pitched in 30 points and 18 rebounds in these last two games combined.

The Demons have also forced 24 turnovers, out-rebounded their opponents 74-65, and have shot an outstanding 57-for-117  (well over 50-percent) from the field. The Demons have had the right attitude all season as Purnell has instilled in his men the “one game at at time” mentality. It’s that mentality that has gotten them this far.

On Saturday, DePaul has a much tougher challenge that awaits them. They will head to Philadelphia for a showdown with the first place, sixth-ranked Villanova Wildcats (15-1, 4-0 Big East). The Demons have a chance to break  another round of demoralizing streaks. They last beat the Wildcats back on January 3rd, 2008 (that was also their last win over a Top-25 team). They’ve lost six in-a-row to the Wildcats since then. A victory would also make a dent in the Big East Standings.

DePaul’s last three game winning streak came in December with wins over Chicago State, Florida Atlantic and Houston Baptist. The Blue Demons haven’t won three consecutive conference games since the 2006-2007 season,  which was the last time DePaul went to the postseason (2007 NIT). Oliver Purnell was hired because of his reputation to turn programs around. A win over Villanova will go a long way towards cementing that reputation.

Things are indeed looking brighter for this proud institution. Follow me on Twitter @GabeSalgado82

 

messagebordbanner

For More Great Chicago Sports Content

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

Big East Conference DePaul Blue Demons NCAA Basketball St. John's Red Storm
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
The Worst Things Bart Simpson Has Ever Done Ranked
Zack Pearson
  • Twitter

Writer based out of Chicago that loves covering sports as well as history and Americana. Big fan of The Simpsons and reality TV.

Related Posts

Other September 18, 2023

How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping Sports Betting: Three Crucial Dimensions

Other September 18, 2023

Working with APIs: From Fetch to Axios

Bulls September 16, 2023

LOOK: Michael Jordan shows up to Bristol Motor Speedway for NASCAR race

Other September 15, 2023

Pete Alonso’s record-breaking season with the Mets

Other September 12, 2023

Blackjack: Is It as Engaging as When It Was First Invented?

Other September 11, 2023

NASCAR Racing in Chicago: The History of the Auto Race

Leave A Reply

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Team Message Boards

bears TP
bulls TP
cubs TP
sox TP
hawks TP
we want you to write
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
  • Home
  • Message Board
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Our Writers
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
© 2023 ChiCitySports. Designed by Dope Guys Who Run ChiCitySports.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.