Box Score (PDF)

Chicago, Ill. - DePaul University senior forward Jamee Crockett blocked two potential game-tying shots in the waning seconds, as the host Blue Demons held off Lewis University, 72-68, in the Flyers' exhibition opener at McGrath-Phillips Arena on Thursday (Nov. 6) night.

DePaul held a 70-68 lead over Lewis with 17 seconds remaining, as Aaron Simpson (14 points) split a pair of free throws.

With a chance to tie the game, Lewis senior guard Jeff Jarosz (Lyons, Ill./Morton) drove down the lane, but his lay-up attempt was thwarted by Crockett (11 points). Lewis senior guard Gabe WIlliams gathered in the offensive rebound and his shot was also rejected by Crockett.

DePaul junior forward Myke Henry secured the defensive rebound, was fouled, and hit both of his free throw attempts to secure the win for the Blue Demons. Henry posted a game-high 17 points, while junior guard Durrell McDonald added 12 points in the win.

"I'm proud of our effort tonight, but a couple of possessions is the difference in the ball game," Lewis head men's basketball coach Scott Trost said. "I thought we got good play from a lot of guys.

"Overall, I'm pleased. I thought we battled them on the glass, we did a decent job of not turning the ball over and we have a lot of good things to build on."

Lewis senior guard Ryan Jackson (Bolingbrook, Ill./Riverside-Brookfield) topped the Flyers with 14 points on 7-for-13 shoooting, followed by 10 points from senior forward Julian Lewis (Flossmoor, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor). Lewis received solid bench play, as the Flyer reserves, led by nine points from freshman guard Max Strus (Hickory Hills, Ill./Stagg), scored 30 points on the evening.

The Flyers, however, were done in by some atypical free throw shooting, as they converted just 47.4% (9-for-19) of their attempts and were 3-for-14 from three-point range.

Lewis returns to action on Friday (Nov. 7), as the Flyers head to South Bend, Ind., take on Notre Dame at 7 PM ET.