Strus’ career night leads DePaul past UIC

In a game on a strange day of the week at an odd start time following a game just three days ago, it would have been unsurprising if Max Strus and the DePaul Blue Demons slogged through their contest with their crosstown foes from UIC.

However, that’s not what happened. Instead, the Blue Demons dominated from pillar to post, resulting in a 90-70 victory to improve to 7-2, their best start since 2002-03.

Max Strus played his best game as a Blue Demon, setting a new career-high in scoring (34) and rebounding (13), to record his third career double-double. Strus also tied DePaul’s single-game record for three-point shots made with eight.

The Blue Demons never gave fans a doubt in this game, going on multiple double-digit runs throughout the game and not letting UIC string anything together. DePaul forced 20 UIC turnovers, six of which came off Devin Gage steals. Gage did a little bit of everything, having 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists to go along with the steals.

Oh, also, Paul Reed did this.

Tarkus Ferguson led UIC with 20 points and eight rebounds.

DePaul returns to action Wednesday evening at Wintrust Arena when they welcome Incarnate Word.