Chicago, IL – During an early afternoon at Allstate Arena, the Marquette Golden Eagles’ hot shooting helped them hold off the DePaul Blue Demons 73-60. This was a high intensity game throughout the first half into the early second half. DePaul’s inability to take care of the ball, and Marquette’s ability to capitalize off these turnovers were keys to the game.
Marquette was led by its Big East Rookie of the Year candidate, Henry Ellenson. Ellenson is a 6-11, 245 pound power forward who is extremely skilled. He showed the ability to play both inside and out. He has great touch and feel with his back to the basket, he can passes out of the double team really well, and he has perimeter skills that extends out to the three point line. Ellenson finished the game with 14 points and nine rebounds.
Fellow freshman, Hannif Cheatham, was also a key contributor for Marquette in the win. Cheatham is a 6-5, 190 pound guard who really shot well beyond the arch. Although having a non-traditional release, he connected on 4-of-5 three’s and went a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line. Cheatham was a big shot maker throughout the game and finished with 20 points on only even shots. Cheatham also added five rebounds and three assists. 
The Blue Demons were led by their two starting big men, Tommy Hamilton and Rashaun Stimage. Hamilton is a 6-11, 255 pound junior center who has really good touch that showed extension out to the three-point line. He was able to shoot 3-of-6 from the beyond the arch, and even showed the ability to make contested jump shots. Hamilton finished the game with 20 points and six rebounds. Stimage is a 6-8, 231 pound senior power forward who plays with unlimited toughness and energy. He used his strength and relentless effort to collect multiple offensive rebounds and put back baskets. He was a force in the paint and his defensive presence was certainly felt. Stimage finished the game with seven points and nine rebounds (six offensive).
DePaul next welcomes St. John’s Thursday, February 25th, while Marquette travels to Creighton Wednesday, February 24th.
This article was written by Keith Smith, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can subscribe to our RSS feed from the upper right corner of our home page, follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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