CHICAGO — In a strong performance on Saturday, N.J. Benson led the DePaul Blue Demons to an 84-65 triumph over Loyola Maryland, scoring 22 points and grabbing 17 rebounds.

Benson’s impressive stats were complemented by Jacob Meyer, who contributed 12 points and secured five rebounds while shooting 4 from 11 overall and hitting all four of his free throws. CJ Gunn also added to the scoreboard with 11 points, making four of his eleven shots, including one out of five from beyond the arc.

On the other side, Jacob Theodosiou was the standout player for the Greyhounds, leading his team with 22 points. Accompanying him were Milos Ilic, who managed to put up 13 points along with six rebounds and two steals, while Jordan Stiemke chipped in with 10 points.

DePaul seized control of the game early, taking the lead just 1:15 into the first half and maintaining it throughout. Benson shined in the initial half, scoring 14 of his total points, helping his team dominate with a 44-26 advantage at the halftime break. In the second half, DePaul continued to push forward, extending their lead to 64-36, highlighted by an impressive 8-0 scoring run. Isaiah Rivera emerged as a key contributor in the latter part of the game, scoring a notable 10 points as DePaul secured the win.

Overall, DePaul’s performance showcased their strength and cohesion, setting a positive momentum as they continued their campaign in the season.