NEW YORK — DePaul University finally looked set to create a memorable moment at the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. With a substantial upset within their grasp, the Blue Demons were on the verge of making it to the semifinals for the first time. Unfortunately, victory slipped away in a gripping double-overtime game.
The 10th-seeded Blue Demons had built a solid 17-point lead in the second half against the second-seeded Creighton. However, in an unexpected turn of events, DePaul saw their 11-point advantage evaporate in the last two minutes of regular time. Creighton claimed an intense 85-81 win, a result that left DePaul with a heart-wrenching loss.
Reflecting on the tough break for the once-revered program, now typically an afterthought in the Big East, first-year coach Chris Holtmann expressed his sorrow: “It’s obviously disappointing. They played their hearts out.” Despite being just the fourth quarterfinal appearance for DePaul since joining the Big East in 2005-06, the team was hopeful of breaking their NCAA Tournament absence dating back to 2004.
The Blue Demons displayed notable advancement under Holtmann, who has a track record of consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in his previous roles. Overhauling the roster, they improved on a dismal previous season where they went winless in the Big East and ended with a 3-29 record.
“There’s no question that this group has laid a foundation moving forward in a real positive way,” Holtmann admitted. While the loss stings, he conveyed pride in the significant progress his team demonstrated.
Creighton, entering the game with a 23-9 record, surged in the final moments of regulation time to tie the game 62-all. Key to this was a clutch three-pointer by point guard Steven Ashworth, who, though largely off his game, confidently sunk the equalizer.
Despite an attempted game-winning shot by DePaul’s Troy D’Amico getting blocked and Isaiah Rivera’s last-second miss, overtime was inevitable. The roller-coaster of emotions continued as DePaul clawed back from an eight-point hole in the first overtime, led by Layden Blocker, who contributed all 11 of DePaul’s points in that period.
In the second overtime, Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner, dominating with 32 points primarily after halftime, alongside crucial free throws from freshman Ty Davis, sealed the game as Ashworth fouled out early in the first overtime.
Creighton coach Greg McDermott acknowledged DePaul’s efforts, commending Holtmann’s rapid establishment of a cohesive team culture: “Ton of credit to DePaul. It’s very difficult to do in such a short period.”
DePaul ended their season with a sense of accomplishment, having previously endured a six-game losing streak but rebounding with a three-game winning run. This included a triumph over No. 7 seed Georgetown during the first round on Wednesday night.
McDermott admitted, “To finish the way they finished and to play as well as they have here in New York, I mean, let’s be honest, we were really fortunate to win that game. They outplayed us for virtually all the game.” Indeed, DePaul led the scoreboard for the better part of the competition, a testament to their competitive spirit.
As the game concluded, fans from various teams within the Big East offered a warm applause for the Blue Demons. Star player Blocker, who scored 25 points, noted the significance of the team’s efforts, “It means a lot to the program. This is our first year together with coaches and staff and to get this far, trying to turn the program around means a lot. It was a great experience for us. I’m proud of our fight tonight. That’s all you can ask for.”
