While DePaul students were away for winter break, the men’s and women’s basketball teams were hard at work on the hardwood. There’s no time off for Blue Demon athletes, who played some great basketball during December and early January. (All stats from 11/25/13 through 1/12/14)

MEN’S BASKETBALL: 6-7 record, 69.8 ppg for, 73.2 ppg against

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: 8-5 record, 83.5 ppg for, 74.4 ppg against

Blue Demons fact: DePaul players Billy Garrett Jr. and Jasmine Penny played stellar basketball in December. After a 29-point showing Dec. 29 against Bradley, Penny earned her first Big East Player of the Week award. Garrett was stunningly consistent, netting three Freshman of the Week honors on Dec. 2, Dec. 17, and Dec. 30.

HIGHLIGHTS

Basketball is so much more than the final score and these moments over break proved to be truly special.

Dec. 15

Cleveland Melvin nets a double double with 18 points and 11 rebounds and the Blue Demons win their first overtime game since 2009 in a 77-70 triumph over Chicago State.

Dec. 21

Chanise Jenkins is named MVP of the Duel in the Desert tournament in Las Vegas after leading DePaul to three consecutive wins.

Dec. 27

Billy Garrett Jr. hits a driving shot as time expires to give DePaul a thrilling last-second 57-56 victory over Northwestern in Evanston.

Dec. 29

Jasmine Penny dominates Bradley by scoring 29 points and making 13 of 14 shots.