We are currently in the midst of college basketball exhibition season. It’s the time of year that matches power conference teams against opponents from NAIA, Division II, Division III and other assorted small school affiliations. It’s a paycheck for the little guy, and a glorified scrimmage for the big boy.
Or so it seems. Sometimes the major program goes down. It happened last year to Syracuse, and again in ’07 to Michigan State.
And last night to DePaul.
Lewis shot nearly 70 percent from the field in the first half to build a double-digit lead and take a 39-27 advantage into halftime at McGrath Arena. They held on to beat the Blue Demons 70-68.
Five DePaul players reached double-figures led by Mike Stovall’s 13 points. Krys Faber added 11 points and five rebounds while Tony Freeland came off the bench with 11 points and five boards. Kelly and Young each scored 10 points with Kelly adding four assists and Young recording five steals.
Chris McClellan led Lewis with 17 points that included a 4-of-5 effort from behind the arc.
DePaul opens the regular season next Sunday at McGrath Arena against Chicago State.
Division II Grand Valley State stunned No. 8 Michigan State, the 2007 Big Ten favorite, 85-82 in two overtimes in an exhibition. That Spartans team went on to win 27 games and reach the sweet sixteen; where they fell to Derrick Rose’s Memphis squad.
Division II Le Moyne stunned No. 25 Syracuse 82-79 in an exhibition game last fall. However, that Orange team won 30 games, and reached the sweet sixteen before getting dropped by eventual runner-up Butler.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest webzine. He’s also a regular contributor to the Tribune’s Chicago Now network, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com
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