Stonewall’s career-high 29 helps lift DePaul over Seton Hall

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Alexa Sandler | The DePaulia

Senior forward Chante Stonewall guards an inbound pass during a Jan. 31 game against Creighton at Wintrust Arena.

The 14th ranked DePaul women’s basketball team is in the midst of the toughest stretch of their Big East schedule with four of their last six games on the road. After Friday’s triumph over St. John’s, the Blue Demons turned to South Orange, New Jersey to take on Seton Hall. The Blue Demons embraced the fast pace from the Pirates, with Chante Stonewall scoring 24 of her career-high 29 points in the first half en route to an 86-76 win.

Early in the first quarter, Seton Hall hit two quick shots to start the game 5-0. Chante Stonewall and Alexia Allesch hit two threes for either side to start the game that was knotted at 15 halfway through the first quarter. DePaul pushed for three forced turnovers and three offensive rebounds early on.

Both teams looked to create a disruptive pace, averaging three shots a minute to start the game. DePaul got a late advantage as they forced a 0-of-6 stretch from the Pirates to go up 27-21 at the end of the first quarter. Stonewall had 13 points to lead all scorers.

In the second quarter, Stonewall got to work early hitting a turnaround jumper and then finding Deja Church for a three to take a quick nine-point lead. Although Mya Jackson and Lauren Park-Lane of Seton Hall cut the game to 32-28 two minutes later after two forced turnovers that led to layups.

Seton Hall had seven steals in the first half to disrupt the Blue Demons. DePaul’s 12 first-half turnovers were uncharacteristic and kept the Pirates in the game, allowing them extra possessions.

DePaul entered the bonus with 3:04 left in the first half and senior guard Alexis Lewis picked up her fourth foul for Seton Hall at the end of the half.

Stonewall scored her 24th point of the first half on a quick steal and layup with a minute left. DePaul rode into the final twenty minutes behind Stonewall, leading 50-40 after the first half. Stonewall scored her 24 points on 10-for-14 shooting.

The Blue Demons outrebounded Seton Hall 25-10 in the first half including nine offensive rebounds. Kelly Campbell had eight rebounds for DePaul in the first half.

Stonewall hit three 3-pointers in the first half but did most of her work inside. The 6’1″ forward hit from midrange and on post moves.

Jackson started the second half for the Pirates on fire. The guard played off the bench for Seton Hall but scored the first five points of the second half to force DePaul head coach Doug Bruno to call a timeout up 50-45. Seton Hall had a 9-2 run to start the second half and Desiree Elmore cut the game to just 54-53 with five minutes remaining in the third quarter.

From there, Seton Hall and DePaul would swap the lead as Campbell scored her first seven points to help keep DePaul up 61-59 with 3:01 left in the quarter. Samuels and Elmore combined for 28 for Seton Hall in the first three quarters.

Stonewall didn’t score until a free throw with 1:28 remaining. The 1-for-7 showing from deep for DePaul in the third quarter let Seton Hall chisel the deficit down to 64-61.

Seton Hall and DePaul would continue to go back and forth to start the final quarter. Morris knocked down two threes early in the quarter to take a 72-66 lead, but Jackson would hit her third three of the game to cut it right back to a three-point game.

Deja Church and Dee Bekelja would hit back-to-back 3-pointers to extend the DePaul lead to 78-71 with 4:29 left.

Stonewall would eclipse her career-high with a turnaround jumper that put her at 29 points while giving DePaul a six-point cushion.

Church fouled out with 2:29 remaining as she fouled Samuels on a layup that cut the game back to five.

The Blue Demons would stay steady and control an 82-76 lead with under a minute remaining. Morris grabbed a rebound with 26 seconds left that put Seton Hall in a fouling situation. Kelly Campbell knocked down four free throws that sealed the game. The Wall, New Jersey native had 11 points and 13 rebounds in the game. DePaul came out with an 86-76 win.

The Blue Demons will host Butler on Friday at McGrath-Phillips Arena.