Senior guard CJ Gunn poured in a career‑high 31 points to lift DePaul to an 80‑75 victory over Marquette on Friday night, ending a four‑year losing streak in the rivalry. The Blue Demons seized control in the second half, outscoring the Golden Eagles 42‑37 after a decisive 14‑2 run, and secured a crucial win for Big East standings.
Game Overview
First Half Balance
The opening 20 minutes saw both teams trading baskets, leaving the score knotted at 38‑38 at halftime. DePaul relied on interior presence from senior center Alex Miller, who collected eight rebounds and four blocks, while Marquette leaned on perimeter shooting to stay even.
Turning Point – Third Quarter Surge
Midway through the third quarter, Gunn ignited a 14‑2 run that propelled DePaul to a ten‑point lead. He delivered a flurry of mid‑range jumpers and three aggressive drives to the rim, shifting momentum and forcing Marquette into a series of missed three‑point attempts and turnovers.
Key Player Stats
- CJ Gunn (DePaul) – 31 points (12‑of‑21 FG, 6‑of‑9 3PT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists.
- Alex Miller (DePaul) – 8 rebounds, 4 blocks.
- Jamal Thompson (Marquette) – 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists.
- Marcus Holt (Marquette) – 12 points, including a late clutch three‑pointer.
Impact on Big East Race
The upset lifts DePaul to a 6‑6 conference record, reviving hopes for a solid seed in the Big East tournament and a potential at‑large NCAA bid. Conversely, Marquette’s loss drops them to a 7‑5 league mark, tightening the battle for the top three seeds that guarantee automatic tournament placement.
What’s Next for DePaul and Marquette
DePaul heads to Villanova next, looking to extend Gunn’s scoring surge and test its defensive depth. Marquette prepares for a crucial showdown with Louisville, aiming to rebound quickly and preserve its position near the top of the Big East standings.
