DePaul WBB Falls 74-72 in WNIT Opener

Chicago IL

20 March, 2021

7:49 AM

Description

Although the game came down to the final seconds, DePaul was unable to convert and fell short in the WNIT opener against St. Louis. The game put an end to the season for the Blue Demons. DePaul fell behind early, trailing 25-20 after one quarter, but took the lead 35-34 at halftime. St. Louis dominated the third quarter to go up 57-49 going into the fourth quarter. DePaul put on a furious comeback led by Sonya Morris, but her last second shot fell just short. Despite the seesaw nature of the game, St. Louis was pretty much in control, leading for 30:26 to DePaul's 8:36. There were actually only eight lead changes and three ties. St. Louis had the biggest lead at 14, while DePaul's largest lead was three. In the five big team stats categories, DePul led in points from turnovers (15-12), second chance points (19-11) and points from the bench (20-16). St. Louis had the advantage in points in the paint (34-26) and fast break points (10-9). DePaul shot 42.4% from the field, 27.6% from three point land and 100% from the free throw line. St. Louis shot 46.0%, 40.0% and 75% respectively. With her big fourth quarter, Morris racked up 28 points to lead all scorers. She also had 10 rebounds. Darrione Rogers had 18 aqnd Lexi Held had 16 as the other Blue Demons in double digits. Other Blue Demons in the scoring column were Dee Bekelja with four and Kiara Dallmann, Jorie Allen and Deja Church all adding two points. St. Louis was led by Myia Clark with 20 points. Myriama Smith Traore grabbed 11 rebounds to pace the team on the boards. For a stretch in the fourth quarter, it looked like DePaul would make a stunning comeback and grab the win. Morris went on an incredible run. The All-BIG EAST standout had three jumpers, two free throws, an assist, a blocked shot and a steal. That streak cut the lead from 14 to three. DePaul would keep pushing and tie the game at 70. Unfortunately for DePaul, Morris was not able to convert her shot as the seconds ticked away and DePul took a two point loss. This ends a season of promise, which showed signs of evaporation over the last few games. Still it was a season with plenty of positives. DePaul did not have any pandemic-related shutdowns. They adjusted to a fluid schedule and played tough all season. Held, Morris and Church joined the 1,000 point club. It wasn't the ideal season, nor the desired end, but it was a season. After having last season abruptly end before the NCAA post-season tournaments, it was just good to have women's basketball back again. DePaul (14-9) has a 2 p.m. consolation game on Saturday against the loser of Milwaukee and Drake.