{"id":39277,"date":"2026-01-31T15:19:53","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T19:19:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/red94.net\/news\/depaul-beats-xavier-86-77-with-balanced-attack-six-scorers-in-double-figures\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T15:20:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T19:20:20","slug":"42322-depaul-beats-xavier-86-77-with-balanced-attack-six-scorers-in-double-figures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/red94.net\/news\/42322-depaul-beats-xavier-86-77-with-balanced-attack-six-scorers-in-double-figures\/","title":{"rendered":"DePaul beats Xavier 86-77 with balanced attack, six scorers in double figures"},"content":{"rendered":"

DePaul<\/b> unleashed a balanced offensive onslaught to defeat Xavier 86-77<\/b> on January 3, 2026. The Blue Demons<\/b> made history with six double-digit scorers<\/b>, a first against a Big East opponent. This balanced attack proved too much for the Musketeers<\/b> to handle.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Final Score<\/b>: DePaul 86, Xavier 77 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago<\/li>\n
  • Top Scorer<\/b>: CJ Gunn led with 22 points, adding 6 rebounds and efficient shooting<\/li>\n
  • Balanced Attack<\/b>: Six Blue Demons reached double figures, a program first in conference play<\/li>\n
  • Key Contributor<\/b>: Layden Blocker added 18 points on 5-of-10 shooting with three 3-pointers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Gunn’s Game-High 22 Points Spearheads DePaul Victory<\/h2>\n

    CJ Gunn<\/b> established himself as DePaul’s primary threat with a game-high 22 points<\/b>. Shooting 8-of-16 from the floor<\/b>, Gunn also grabbed six rebounds<\/b> while controlling the tempo. His efficiency fueled the Blue Demons<\/b> to their crucial conference win.<\/p>\n

    Gunn’s performance sent a clear message about DePaul’s offensive capabilities<\/b>. The guard balanced scoring with ball distribution<\/b>, making it impossible for Xavier’s defense<\/b> to establish a consistent rhythm throughout the contest.<\/p>\n

    Blocker Erupts from Three as Supporting Cast Delivers<\/h2>\n

    Layden Blocker<\/b> complemented Gunn’s<\/b> effort with 18 points<\/b> on efficient shooting. Blocker connected on 3-of-5 three-pointers<\/b>, showcasing the Blue Demons<\/b>‘ range and spacing. The guard’s perimeter success forced Xavier<\/b> to extend defensively, creating gaps inside.<\/p>\n

    Brandon Maclin<\/b> contributed 13 points<\/b>, while Kaleb Banks<\/b> added 11 points<\/b>. Combined with RJ Smith<\/b> and NJ Benson<\/b>, the Blue Demons<\/b> showcased unprecedented depth in a Big East<\/b> matchup.<\/p>\n

    DePaul’s Historic Balanced Scoring Attack Breaks Program Record<\/h2>\n

    The six double-digit scorers<\/b> marked the first time in program history<\/b> that DePaul<\/b> achieved this milestone against a conference opponent<\/b>. The offensive distribution prevented Xavier<\/b> from focusing defensive efforts on any single player.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Category<\/td>\nDePaul<\/td>\nXavier<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Final Score<\/td>\n86<\/td>\n77<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Double-Digit Scorers<\/td>\nSix Players<\/td>\nFour Players<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    High Scorer<\/td>\nCJ Gunn (22)<\/td>\nTBA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Arena<\/td>\nWintrust Arena<\/td>\nVisitor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    This balanced offensive approach<\/b> allowed DePaul<\/b> to maintain consistent pressure throughout both halves. Xavier<\/b> struggled to defend the perimeter, surrendering multiple three-pointers<\/b> and allowing penetration.<\/p>\n

    \n“Led by a balanced attack with six double-digit scorers, DePaul men’s basketball opened up 2026 with 86-77 win over Xavier.”\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 DePaul Athletics<\/b>, Official Game Summary<\/p>\n

    Defensive Intensity and Second-Half Execution Seal the Victory<\/h2>\n

    DePaul<\/b> opened the contest with a 14-7 advantage<\/b>, immediately asserting control through Xavier’s zone defense<\/b>. The Blue Demons<\/b> shot 40 points in the first half<\/b>, establishing early momentum that proved decisive. Xavier<\/b> mounted a second-half comeback bid<\/b>, but DePaul<\/b>‘s balanced scoring prevented the Musketeers<\/b> from rallying.<\/p>\n

    The 46 second-half points<\/b> demonstrated DePaul’s<\/b> ability to adjust and execute when it mattered most. Coach’s team<\/b> showcased the offensive versatility<\/b> necessary to compete in the Big East Conference<\/b>.<\/p>\n

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    Watch: DePaul Basketball Highlights vs Xavier<\/h3>\n