In a week filled with a heartbreaking, last-second loss and a second half comeback bid falling just short, the Blue Demons found themselves in the midst of a 10-game losing streak. 

The Big East tournament is less than two weeks away, and the team sits with a 9-20 overall record with a conference record of 3-15. DePaul is in position to finish the season as the 10th seed, which will result in an opening round matchup against Villanova on March 8.

DePaul looked to stop its losing streak in Milwaukee on Saturday night, but a 17-point second half comeback bid fell just short against Marquette in a 90-84 loss. The Blue Demons came within six points with under two minutes remaining, but the Golden Eagles clinched the game at the free throw line.

Senior center Nick Ongenda had a career-night, which included his first career double-double and a personal best 12 rebounds. Ongenda finished the night recording a season-high 16 points to go with five blocks and three steals.

Ongenda’s five-block night moved him into sixth place all-time at DePaul with 123 career blocks.

After Marquette went into halftime with a 48-27 lead, the Blue Demons showed a glimpse of hope in the second half, going on a 6-0 run. 

Later on in the half, DePaul went on a 18-4 run that lasted nearly five minutes, shrinking Marquette’s lead to 78-72. Marquette sophomore guard Tyler Kolek then closed out the game scoring 11 points, nine of which came from the free throw line. 

DePaul’s 84 points, led by graduate guard Umoja Gibson scoring 20, was its highest total against a conference opponent this season. The team saw its most efficient shooting performance of the season as well, making 52% from the field. This is also its highest percentage against a Big East opponent.

DePaul (9-20, 3-15) will travel to Storrs, Connecticut on Wednesday night to take on No. 18 UConn (22-7, 7-11) at the XL Center with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on the CBS Sports Network.