Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
Something about the DePaul Blue Demons is just different for the Hoyas. While the Blue Demons have historically been one of the worst teams in the Big East, the Hoyas have had their share of troubles with this team, including tonight.
The struggles for the Hoyas offense continued tonight as DePaul kept the game close and somehow a late surge right before the half gave them a 10-point lead at halftime, 34-24, behind balanced scoring and efficient offense by Malik Mack, who finished 16 points and 11 assists.
Julius Halaifonua and Vince Iwuchukwu each added 11 points, combining to shoot 9-for-10 from the field.
For DePaul, Brandon Maclin scored a team-high 19 points, mostly in the second half, while Layden Blocker and RJ Smith chipped in 13 points each.
DePaul had their work cut out for them as they faced 12-point deficit late. But just as in Hoya fashion this season, they allowed their opponent to creep back within striking distance on back-to-back threes from CJ Gunn and RJ Smith. Layden Blocker’s second-chance three with a minute to play cut the margin to five, 66-61, but Georgetown converted at the free throw line down the stretch to steal the game.
The win snapped Georgetown’s four-game losing skid against DePaul and marked their second straight victory after a six-game slide.
The victory tonight by the Hoyas was a much needed two in a row, and a chance to move up in the Big East rankings heading into the tournament. The Hoyas currently sit at 3-7 in conference play with quite a few big games coming up starting with a trip to Indianapolis this weekend to face Butler.
