Nov 17, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Valparaiso Beacons head coach Roger Powell Jr. reacts during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images DePaul has already doubled its win total from 2023-24 by sweeping all six games on its season-opening homestand.
The Blue Demons (6-0) will look to continue their recent good fortune on Friday afternoon when it hosts Valparaiso (4-2) in Chicago.
“This group is always focused on looking forward, how do we improve, how do we grow and how do we get better? How do we face each challenge that’s coming and getting better?” DePaul coach Chris Holtmann said. “We know that the competition is going to grow and improve.
“… They hear about last year’s situation or the last couple years, but I don’t think they pay too much mind to it because it’s a brand-new group.”
The brand-new Blue Demons hardly were tested in their last outing, erupting for 51 points in the first half en route to a 98-52 victory over Northern Illinois on Saturday.
DePaul’s Layden Blocker recorded a career-high 21 points and eight rebounds in his return from a one-game absence due to a thigh injury.
Jacob Meyer, who averages a team-best 15.2 points, scored 14 on Saturday.
Conor Enright, who was playing with a mask after breaking his nose in practice, collected 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists against the Huskies.
The Beacons also got the better of Northern Illinois, posting their third straight victory with an 87-82 decision on Wednesday.
The three-game win streak is Valparaiso’s first since Jan. 14-21, 2023. It last won four in a row during the 2018-19 season.
“As a coach, I’ve never won three games in a row, and these guys went out and gave me an early Thanksgiving present,” Beacons coach Roger Powell said. “… We’re getting better, and I couldn’t be (prouder) of them. I’m having fun coaching this team and we have a big opportunity on Friday and these guys are up for it.”
Tyler Schmidt and Cooper Schwieger each scored 17 points for Valparaiso on Wednesday. Schmidt (11.3), Schwieger (12.2), Devon Ellis (12.7) and Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro (11.5) are all scoring in double figures this season.
–Field Level Media
