As the noise continued to cascade down from the bleachers, the Blue Demons’ two Smith women, Khara and Caprice, stood under the west basket at the DePaul Athletic Center and exchanged not just a high-five, but a two-handed “high-10.”
They had earned the celebration just moments earlier because DePaul’s thrilling 70-67 victory over St. John’s (19-6, 9-5) was enough to push the No. 16 Blue Demons (22-5, 9-5) into third place in the Big East heading into the final two games of the regular season.
“The players have to accept the responsibility of a game like this,” DePaul coach Doug Bruno said.
Caprice Smith led the charge, coming off the bench for a game-high 17 points. Khara Smith added 13 points, including the game-winner on a right hook with 13.7 seconds remaining.
Leading 33-29 at the half, DePaul started the second with a 12-4 run, jumping to a 45-33 advantage. The Blue Demons used that cushion to survive St. John’s subsequent 15-3 run, and then simply hung on as the Red Storm, despite shooting 51.6 percent in the second half, fell just short.
“Games have lives of their own. There are moments every game where players really have to step up and grab opportunities,” Bruno said. “I’m proud of them for getting it done.”
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apatel@tribune.com
