DePaul Men's Basketball Team Falls to Providence in New Year's Day Contest

Strategic Insights -

The DePaul men's basketball team suffered a 74-59 loss to Providence on New Year's Day, with the Blue Demons failing to overcome a 15-point halftime deficit. Da'Sean Nelson led the team with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Javan Johnson and Umoja Gibson added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Despite a strong second-half performance, the Blue Demons were unable to catch up, with Providence maintaining its lead throughout the game.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Blue Demons were led by Da'Sean Nelson, who tallied 17 points and a team-high seven rebounds, in his first game as the leading scorer.
  • Javan Johnson and Umoja Gibson added 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Gibson making 8-of-9 from the free throw line, marking his second-straight game with eight or more made free throws.
  • DePaul forced a season-high 19 turnovers from Providence, the third-straight game the team has achieved this feat.
  • Yor Anei tied a career-high five steals while contributing three blocks, his most since his return from injury.
  • Philmon Gebrewhit was perfect from the free-throw line for the third time this season, and dished out a 2022-23 season best three assists.
  • The Blue Demons starting lineup, which includes Gibson, Jalen Terry, Johnson, Eral Penn, and Anei, are 4-1 this season.

Statistics:

  • DePaul was outscored by 15 points in the first half, with Providence taking a 15-point lead into halftime.
  • The Blue Demons were equal with Providence in the second half, scoring 36 points apiece.
  • Providence opened up to an early 13-4 lead that DePaul eventually brought to a single-possession following back-to-back three-pointers from Nelson and Jalen Terry.
  • The Friars fired off a 10-2 run, hanging onto a 10-point lead, 22-12.
  • The Blue Demons forced 19 turnovers from Providence, the third-straight game they have achieved this feat.
  • Da'Sean Nelson had a season-high 17 points and seven rebounds.
  • Javan Johnson had a season-high 11 points.

Sources:

  • [Source: DePaul University Athletics (assumed, as no specific source is cited)]