Benson and 3 Others Score in Double Figures
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Samori Benjamin
The DePaul Blue Demons knocked off the Georgetown Hoyas 71-67 in the opening round of the Big Est Tournament on Wednesday afternoon. DePaul had four players score in double figures including 18 points from forward N.J. Benson which was a team high. Georgetown swingman Micah Peavy led all scorers with 26 points. DePaul led by as much as nine points in the first half before blowing the lead and allowing Georgetown to take a two-point advantage heading into halftime. Georgetown then pushed the lead to 45-38 at the 19:20 mark of the second half.
DePaul then tied the game at 51 a piece on a three point shot from Blue Demons guard Isaiah Rivera with 13:20 remaining. When NJ Benson dunked the ball with 12:41 remaining it gave DePaul a 53-51 lead and Georgetown would not take the lead or draw even the rest of the way. When Georgetown Head Coach Ed Cooley was asked after the game about his team blowing an early seven-point second half lead he mentioned DePaul’s size as a factor. “I think team physicality really wore us down,” Cooley said. “When your front court is 210,220, in the Big East that’s not going to work. Our guards are not the longest, so we have our work to do.”
Cooley is in his second season as Georgetown Head Coach after the University fired arguably their most recognizable alum, Patrick Ewing, following the 2022-2023 season. “I didn’t think we picked up enough pressure. I thought we were a little tired. I thought we kind of backed it off and tried to put it back on.” Cooley said of his team’s effort.
The win was the first Big East Tournament win in the career of DePaul Head Coach Chris Holtmann but he deflected the attention. “I’m really happy for our guys. I’m happy that our guys get to stay together for a little while longer and as long as we can carry this momentum. I’m super happy for them.” He said after the game. DePaul’s reward will be to play number two seeded Creighton University Thursday night at 7:00 in the quarterfinal round.
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