After crushing SHU, DePaul’s quest for Big East Tournament Title

Chicago, IL — The Big East regular season co-champion DePaul Blue Demons punched their ticket to the Big East Semifinals with a 78-52 dismantling of the Seton Hall Pirates on Sunday. Let's break down some of the key points from the game.

SHOOTER SHOOTER

Usually you hear “Shooter” when shooting guards have the ball in their hand. However with DePaul, every one is a shooter and Seton Hall was very aware of that. Every time a DePaul player had the ball in their hands, the Seton Hall bench would scream, “Shooter, Shooter.” DePaul used all of their 12 "guards" in tonight’s victory, shooting 60% from the field while three Blue Demons shot in double figures in tonight’s victory.

In the second quarter, Kelly Campbell got her first basket which sparked a 5-0 run for herself to make up for her slow start. Campbell ended the night with 9 points.

With only five minutes left in regulation, Ashton Millender found herself alone at the top of the key and splashed a three to give her team a little more comfort in sealing the deal, giving DePaul a 70-45 lead. Millender gave her team 15 points and 4 boards.

SECOND CHANCE POINTS

DePaul ended the night with 17 offensive rebounds and 19 second chance points. This is a testament to how hard DePaul wanted to win tonight. Marte Grays and Chante Stonewall aggressively stayed in the paint until their teammate shot the ball in the net.

If not, both Blue Demons were there for the put-back or rebound. Grays and Stonewall both ended the night with a double-double, respectively. Grays ended the night with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while teammate Stonewall finished with 11 points and snagged 10 rebounds.

DePaul head coach Doug Bruno talked about how the interior players deserve to get their points in as well.

“If 5’10” Kelly Campbell can average double-double, why can’t the bigger interior presence do it too?” Bruno said.

Bruno went on to say that it was nice for Stonewall to follow up with her performance from their last meeting against Seton Hall, where she recorded her first double-double.

9 POINT QUARTER

Yes, DePaul had a 9 point second period. But because of the Blue Demons explosive 27-point first quarter, and the Pirates didn’t match their energy, DePaul remained on top as they headed into locker room up, 36-30.

But what head coach Doug Bruno said at half time was key to the Blue Demons getting back to their elite level of play.

“He told us it’s a 0-0 game. We have to come out attacking," Grays said. “We know that the first five minutes are very important. “

The Blue Demons snapped back into it with an aggressive 21-point third and fourth quarter.

TIGHTEN UP ON DEFENSE

After allowing the Pirates to shoot 40% in the first half, DePaul settled down and started playing “DePaul Ball” which is in your face pressure defense.

The Pirates finished the second half with only a 34 percent field goal percentage. DePaul only allowed one three against them the entire game. DePaul’s extra hustle plays came in the second quarter as they recorded 6 of their 9 steals.

“Our team stayed the course. It was not an easy win, it was an impressive,” Bruno said about his team advancing to the Semifinals.

DePaul will take on the winner of Villanova and Georgetown Monday at 5:30 pm.