The DePaul Blue Demons, after enduring a prolonged period of futility in the Big East Conference, finally tasted victory, snapping a 39-game regular-season losing streak against conference opponents with a 73-68 triumph over the Georgetown Hoyas. This win, marking their first Big East victory in 730 days, signified a monumental breakthrough for the program and injected renewed hope into a season that had been marred by persistent struggles. The victory was not only a conference milestone but also their first road win since December 2022, underscoring the significance of this achievement for a team desperately seeking a turnaround.
The Blue Demons’ offensive performance was characterized by balanced scoring, with three players reaching double figures. CJ Gunn spearheaded the attack with 17 points, complemented by five rebounds, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the court. Layden Blocker emerged as a first-half catalyst, pouring in all 14 of his points before the intermission, including a crucial six-point burst to close out the half, providing DePaul with a comfortable 39-28 lead at the break. This first-half surge established momentum and set the stage for DePaul to maintain control throughout the second half.
While DePaul celebrated a resurgence, Georgetown grappled with a disappointing setback. Malik Mack and Drew Fielder shared the scoring burden for the Hoyas, each contributing 19 points. Mack also facilitated the offense with six assists and displayed defensive prowess with two steals. Fielder’s impact extended beyond scoring, grabbing eight rebounds and swatting two shots, highlighting his multifaceted contributions. Despite their efforts, Georgetown couldn’t overcome DePaul’s determined performance, suffering a loss that hampered their progress in the Big East standings.
The victory for DePaul carried immense weight, halting a five-game losing streak that had further compounded the frustration of their extended Big East drought. This 39-game conference losing streak had placed them in the unenviable position of tying for the fourth-longest such streak in the AP poll era, according to ESPN research, a stark reminder of the program’s recent struggles. The magnitude of this win provided a much-needed boost of confidence and offered a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
The win over Georgetown not only ended DePaul’s Big East woes but also provided a historical perspective on conference losing streaks. Colgate holds the dubious distinction of enduring the longest conference losing streak, a staggering 47-game skid spanning from 1984 to 1987. DePaul’s 39-game streak served as a reminder of the challenges faced by teams mired in prolonged periods of underperformance, and their victory offered a testament to the resilience and potential for turnaround even in the face of daunting odds.
With this victory, DePaul improved its overall record to 10-9 and, more importantly, secured its first Big East win, moving to 1-7 in conference play. The team will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to face Creighton in their next game. Conversely, Georgetown’s loss dropped their record to 12-6 overall and 3-4 in the Big East. They will aim to bounce back from this setback when they host Villanova in their upcoming contest. Both teams will continue their respective journeys in the competitive landscape of the Big East, seeking to navigate the challenges and capitalize on opportunities as the season progresses.
