The DePaul Blue Demons continued their surge into Big East play by defeating Cal Poly 63-58 on Wednesday at the Allstate Arena. Cal Poly outscored DePaul 37-35 in the second half, but the Demons were able to hold on thanks to stellar performances from their two star sophomores.
Second year forward Cleveland Melvin finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks on 6-of-14 shooting. Fellow sophomore Brandon Young went 5-for-9 from the field to finish with 16 points, six assists and three rebounds. Junior guard Worrel Clahar came off the bench to add six points for DePaul on 3-of-5 shooting.
David Hanson led the way for Cal Poly, finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds on 5-of-10 shooting. Foward Will Taylor and guard Amaurys Fermin each scored 11 in the loss. Taylor also hauled down 10 rebounds, while Fermin contributed eight assists.
DePaul's next game is January 1 against No. 1 Syracuse, the Demons' first Big East game of the season. DePaul ends the non-conference schedule 9-3. The Mustangs fall to 8-3 with the loss.