DePaul's CJ Gunn stole the show at Wintrust Arena, scoring 31 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to lead the Blue Demons to an 80-75 victory over Marquette. Gunn's impressive performance was the difference-maker in a closely contested game that saw both teams trade baskets throughout. Marquette's Nigel James Jr. had a notable game as well, finishing with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome DePaul's balanced attack.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with Marquette taking a 44-36 lead into the break. However, DePaul came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Golden Eagles 44-31 to secure the win. NJ Benson and Brandon Maclin provided key support for Gunn, scoring 17 and 12 points, respectively, and hauling in 7 rebounds each. The trio's combined effort allowed DePaul to control the paint and ultimately wear down Marquette's defense.
DePaul's victory was a crucial one for their tournament resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 3 win. The Blue Demons, now 11-8 on the season, want to build on this momentum as they navigate the remainder of their schedule. For Marquette, the loss drops them to 8-14, and while it was a Quadrant 2 game for the Golden Eagles, the defeat won't significantly harm their tournament chances.
Gunn's 31-point outburst was the highest scoring total of the game, and his ability to score from both inside and outside the arc was a matchup problem for Marquette. James Jr., on the other hand, showed his versatility, nearly recording a triple-double and keeping Marquette within striking distance throughout the contest. Despite his efforts, the Golden Eagles were unable to overcome DePaul's strong team performance.
The win for DePaul has real consequences for their tournament hopes, as they continue to accumulate wins against quality opponents. With a current net ranking of 105, the Blue Demons are slowly but surely building a case for themselves as a potential tournament team. Marquette, meanwhile, must regroup and focus on their upcoming games, as their net ranking of 144 leaves them on the outside looking in. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams will be fighting for position, and this game will be an important factor in their respective resumes.