CJ Gunn explodes for 31 as DePaul defeats Marquette

Field Level Media|published: Fri 16th January, 23:27 2026

Jan 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Chase Ross (2) drives to the basket against the DePaul Blue Demons during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

CJ Gunn spearheaded a second half dominant display to help DePaul get its first win over Marquette in nearly four years as the Blue Demons downed the Golden Eagles 80-75 on Friday night in Chicago, Ill.

Gunn finished with career-highs in points with 31 and 3-pointers as he made seven for DePaul (11-7, 3-4 Big East). NJ Benson poured in 17 points while missing just one of his nine shots, Brandon Maclin scored 12 and Layden Blocker notched 10 points and eight assists.

It was DePaul's first win over Marquette since March 2, 2022 (six straight losses).

Nigel James Jr. led the way for Marquette (6-13, 1-7) with 18 points, four 3-pointers, five rebounds and eight assists. Royce Parham had 14 points, Chase Ross chipped in 13 and Damarius Owens had 12 off the bench.

DePaul came out the gates hot in the second half, erupting for a 14-0 run to steal the lead from Marquette. A layup from Maclin and two 3-pointers from Gunn gave DePaul a 50-44 lead a little more than two minutes into the half.

Marquette went scoreless for over four minutes and Depaul took advantage with an 11-2 run. Smith hit a fastbreak 3-pointer and Gunn slammed home a missed shot to bring the crowd to its feet as the Blue Demons went ahead 75-60 with 4:51 left.

Marquette wouldn't go away quietly, rattling off an 13-3 run thanks to an and-one from Ross and a transition 3-pointer from James to cut it to 78-73 with 1:45 left.

The Golden Eagles never cut it closer than four the rest of the way despite DePaul shooting just 54% from the free throw line.

Marquette raced out to an early 13-4 lead thanks to two 3-pointers from James.

The Blue Demons trailed for the most of the first half, but kept themselves alive by hauling in eight offensive rebounds for 12 second chance points.

Owens closed the half on a tear with a dunk down the lane and then hit a 3-pointer to push the Golden Eagles' lead to 10 with 1:15 to go. Benson got a tip-in layup to cut the lead to 44-36 into the half.

Marquette finished the first half shooting 60.7% from the field as a team and 8 for 14 from 3-point range.

Gunn carried the load with 19 first-half points to start off his scoring tear as he hit five first-half 3-pointers. Aside from Gunn, the Blue Demons shot 22.5% as a team from the field in the first half.

--Field Level Media