DePaul defeats Chicago to move to 2-0 on the year

For the second straight day, DePaul won.

24 hours after opening their season with a 72-54 victory over Alcorn State, the Blue Demons were back in action against the Division III Chicago Maroons. DePaul cruised to an 84-55 victory to improve to 2-0 for the second straight season.

Why did DePaul play back to back games with another game coming up Friday evening? Well, it’s not official, but the prevailing thought is that it was to add a game so Dave Leitao’s three-game suspension is over before DePaul goes to Iowa for what should be their first real test of the season.

Despite Leitao’s absence, DePaul buzzed right along under assistant coach Tim Anderson.

The Blue Demons were a bit choppy in the first half, with their lead at just two points with five minutes to play in the opening frame, but a quick 18-5 run to close the half pushed DePaul’s lead up to 15 at the break.

The second half was all DePaul, as the Blue Demons held a 38-24 edge on the scoreboard in the final 20 minutes.

Charlie Moore led the Blue Demons with 17 points on 5-7 shooting, and tacked on a team-high six assists, as well. Jaylon Butz was an immaculate 7-7 from the field for 14 points, and Romeo Weems added 11. Paul Reed had just five points but led the Blue Demons in rebounds, with seven.

There’s not much else to get into about this game. DePaul scheduled a game they were never going to lose, and they didn’t lose. They’ll be back in action Friday night against Fairleigh Dickinson.