Lady ‘Cats fall in the Windy City, lose 71-66 to DePaul

From Chicago, Illinois, the final score of this Sunday afternoon’s back-and-forth battle-of-a-game led to be 71-66, as the Villanova Women’s Basketball team (20-7, 10-6 Big East) fell to the nationally ranked, well renowned DePaul Blue Demons (21-7, 13-3 Big East).

The Wildcats came out short-handed tonight but shined in giving a valiant effort at the McGrath-Phillips arena, facing off against the No. 24-ranked DePaul Blue Demons. Villanova kept it a closely contested game, with ‘Nova keeping the deficit under five the entire way, due to a mix of layups and big shots from Jannah Tucker and Kelly Jekot—both of whom finished with double-digit scoring performances on Sunday.

From DePaul’s McGrath-Phillips arena in the game’s final quarter, Villanova fell behind in the fourth quarter, as Tanita Allen provided back-to-back layups for the Blue Demons. Meanwhile, the Wildcats couldn’t match the Blue Demons’ output.

In final minutes of the game, the action on court became much more physical down in the posts as the Lady ‘Cats fought to get themselves back into the game. However, time was running out and they provided the Blue Demons with one too many trips to the free throw line.

DePaul’s Amarah Coleman followed up on her recent performance that got her to the 1,000-point milestone with a solid 15-point game on Senior Day. She was a key player alongside key player Ashton Millender scoring 19.

Villanova’s Adrianna Hahn was not able to play due an injury. Redshirt freshman Cameron Onken started in her position.

DePaul led 18-12 at the end of the first quarter, but then Jekot started to take over, stepping up for the loss of Hahn. She had 13 of her team-high 17 points before half, allowing the ‘Cats to even things up going into the break at 37.

As the third quarter was underway, Tucker helped Villanova pull ahead by four, but it ultimately wouldn’t last. Although the Wildcats were in front heading into the fourth quarter, they weren’t able to capitalize on the offensive side of the court in the final moments of the game.

Alex Louin had 13 points, seven rebounds, and six assists for ‘Nova. Tucker and Mary Gedaka added 12 each.

With the loss today the Lady ‘Cats are looking at a record of 20-7 on the season, while falling 10-6 in Big East play. They will head back home to Villanova this week to take on Providence, this Friday, at 7 p.m.