Big East tournament: DePaul falls to St. John’s in tournament opener

Javon Freeman-Liberty had 17 points to lead four players in double figures, but the Blue Demons suffered a 92-73 loss to St. John’s and were eliminated in the first round.

St. John’s Esahia Nyiwe (left) and Posh Alexander defend DePaul’s Courvoisier McCauley during the second half of Wednesday’s game in New York. — St. John’s Esahia Nyiwe (left) and Posh Alexander defend DePaul’s Courvoisier McCauley during the second half of Wednesday’s game in New York.

Javon Freeman-Liberty had 17 points and six rebounds, but 10th-seeded DePaul suffered a 92-73 loss to seventh-seeded St. John’s and was eliminated in the first round of the Big East tournament in New York.

The Blue Demons opened the game with a 12-2 run as Freeman-Liberty led the way with six points. But St. John’s went on a 24-5 run over a span of eight-plus minutes to take a 26-17 lead.

The Blue Demons (15-16) pulled to within two after a pair of Nick Ongenda baskets, a Freeman-Liberty free throw and a basket in the paint by Brandon Johnson. Julian Champagnie anwered with 12 straight points for St. John’s and the Red Storm (17-14) scored the final 11 points of the first half to take a commanding 49-29 lead. The Blue Demons couldn’t close the deficit in the second half.

Champagnie had 26 points to lead the Red Storm (17-14).

Next Up In College Sports

Minneapolis will host Big Ten basketball tournaments

Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn will enter NBA Draft

Illinois gamblers bet $286 million on March Madness

Notre Dame’s success will start on the lines, new coach Marcus Freeman says

Former Bradley, NBA coach Dick Versace stood by his players and by Chicago

Note to self: It’s the players, Stupid

DePaul falls in Big East tournament opener

Javon Freeman-Liberty had 17 points to lead four players in double figures, but the Blue Demons suffered a 92-73 loss to St. John’s and were eliminated in the first round.