A week after a disappointing loss to Notre Dame, No. 25 DePaul women’s basketball answered back in dominant fashion.
Jessica January scored a career-high 25 points, Megan Rogowksi had 21 and four other Blue Demons finished in double figures to earn a 109-84 victory Wednesday afternoon over Loyola.
The 109 points was the highest point total from the Blue Demons this season. DePaul (7-3) also tied a university-mark for most 3-pointers made, hitting 16 against the Ramblers (2-7).
The unusually early start time of 11 a.m. didn’t seem to bother the Blue Demons. Rogowski, who has been battling tendonitis in her heal throughout the season, got off to a strong start with 11 points in the first six minutes.
Loyola stuck around throughout the first half in part due to efficient scoring. The Ramblers started the half 9-10 from the field, and guard Becca Smith had all of her 21 points in the first half.
But it was DePaul’s offense that controlled the game. The team shot 61 percent in the first half to go into the half leading 58-51.
The Blue Demons were extremely efficient in distributing the ball as they had a season-high 30 assists on 39 baskets. Guard Brittany Hrynko led the team with eight assists.
All five of the Blue Demon starters finished with at least 10 points. Besides Rogowski and January, Hrynko added 15, Chanise Jenkins scored 10 and Megan Podkowa had 14. Freshman Mart’e Grays also chipped in 14 points off the bench.
DePaul now faces another serious test next when they take on No. 2 UConn on Friday. This will be the first meeting between the teams since UConn left the Big East Conference in 2010.
The teams will play Friday at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Conn. at 6:30 p.m.