| J.B. Ellis | Wed, Nov 20, 6:16 AM (3 days ago) |  | |
| to me | |||
DePaul claimed a dominant victory over Eastern Illinois on November 19, 2024, with a final score of 78-69 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The Blue Demons improved to 5-0 on the season with this win, maintaining their undefeated streak under a solid defensive effort and key offensive contributions.
The game featured a standout performance by DePaul’s leading scorer, Jalen Meyer, who recorded 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. The Blue Demons’ pivotal moment came in the second half with a 14-0 scoring run that turned a close game into a comfortable lead. Eastern Illinois managed to tie the game at 34 early in the second half but struggled to keep up with DePaul’s pace afterward. The Panthers were led by Kooper Jacobi , who contributed 22 points and 8 rebounds, though it wasn’t enough to overcome their 14 turnovers and shooting struggles in key moments.
DePaul head coach Tony Stubblefield praised his team’s energy, saying, “The guys showed resilience and stayed disciplined defensively when it mattered most.” Meyer added, “It’s great to start the season strong. We’re building momentum and learning how to close games effectively.”
Eastern Illinois coach Marty Simmons acknowledged his team’s fight but emphasized the need for improvement: “We battled hard to keep it close, but against a team like DePaul, you have to minimize mistakes. Credit to them for executing.”
The victory keeps DePaul on track as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead, including upcoming games in Big East play. Meanwhile, Eastern Illinois looks to regroup after their fourth loss of the season, with a focus on reducing turnovers and improving their shooting efficiency.
