Facing off against No.9 ranked Butler Bulldogs, DePaul kept the game close through the last few possessions. Ultimately, the supremely disciplined Butler team defeated DePaul 77-72.
The first half showed everything that DePaul could hope to be. Stifling defense and rebounding kept DePaul within striking distance. The Blue Demons overcame being outmatched talent-wise by just playing harder than the Bulldogs.
Butler Coach Chris Holtmann knew they were going to have their hands full.
“They make it very difficult to play with their athleticism, their size, how hard they play,” Holtmann said. “We certainly learned that tonight.