The DePaul Blue Demonsโ menโs basketball season came to a close on April 1, 2025, under the leadership of head coach Chris Holtmann. Despite a spirited effort, the Blue Demons fell to the Cincinnati Bearcats with a final score of 83-61 in the first round of the College Basketball Crown. This marked DePaulโs first postseason appearance since the 2018-19 season, a significant milestone for the team.
The game saw standout performances from several players, including CJ Gunn, who led the team in scoring. Letโs delve deeper into this season-ending game and the key highlights of DePaulโs 2024-2025 campaign.
Game Overview and Key Moments
The game began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, resulting in a combined 4-of-17 shooting start. DePaul managed to edge out a 7-5 lead early on, with Isaiah Rivera hitting the teamโs first three-pointer for a 12-10 advantage. However, Cincinnati quickly responded with a seven-point run, taking a 17-12 lead.
Despite several fouls from the Bearcats, DePaul stayed within striking distance, trailing 21-17.
First Half Struggles
As the first half progressed, Cincinnati built a ten-point lead by halftime. The Bearcats came out strong after the break, scoring quickly to extend their lead.
CJ Gunn tried to keep DePaul in contention with back-to-back jumpers, but Cincinnatiโs consistent scoring widened the gap. A significant run from the Bearcats saw their lead balloon to 20 points, putting the game out of reach for the Blue Demons.
Standout Performances
Despite the loss, several DePaul players delivered noteworthy performances:
- CJ Gunn: Led the team with 16 points, five rebounds, and three steals, marking his eighth time as the leading scorer this season.
- NJ Benson: Scored 15 points and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, narrowly missing his 13th career double-double.
- Isaiah Rivera: Contributed 14 points, including the teamโs first three-pointer of the game.
- David Thomas: Added 11 points to the teamโs total.
Team Achievements
Despite the season-ending loss, the Blue Demons achieved several milestones:
- Three-Point Record: DePaul set a new program record with a total of 314 three-pointers.
- Assists: The team tallied 524 assists, ranking fourth all-time for a single season and the most since the 1988-89 season.
Season Recap
Chris Holtmannโs inaugural season as head coach saw DePaul finish with a 14-20 record. The teamโs performance in the College Basketball Crown was a significant step forward, marking their first postseason appearance in six years. This season also highlighted the development of key players and the establishment of new program records.
Looking Ahead
As the Blue Demons look to build on this seasonโs achievements, several factors will be crucial:
- Player Development: Continued growth and performance from key players like CJ Gunn, NJ Benson, and Isaiah Rivera will be essential.
- Recruitment: Bringing in new talent to complement the existing roster will help strengthen the teamโs competitive edge.
- Coaching: Chris Holtmannโs strategies and leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the teamโs future success.
Final Thoughts
While the season ended with a loss, the DePaul Blue Demons have much to be proud of.
The teamโs resilience, record-setting performances, and return to postseason play are all positive indicators of progress.
As they prepare for the next season, the Blue Demons will aim to build on their achievements and continue their upward trajectory in college basketball.
For more details on the Blue Demonsโ season and their performance in the College Basketball Crown, visit the official DePaul Blue Demons website.
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