Good things come in threes. For the third straight year, the Big East Women's Basketball Tournament was held at Wintrust Arena. For the third straight year, I watched from my courtside seat in press row. For the third straight year, DePaul faced Marquette in the championship game. For the third straight year, the DePaul Blue Demons are the Big East Tournament champs!
After a first round bye, DePaul beat Providence 97-59 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, DePaul escaped with an 83-80 win over Villanova. Similarly, Marquette defeated their two opponents after a first round bye. As expected, DePaul #1 and Marquette #2 once again met in the championship game.
Marquette started out strong, leading by one at the end of the first quarter. DePaul came roaring back though and led 45-33 at halftime, cruising to an 88-73 victory.
The big victory margin allowed coach Doug Bruno to empty his bench in the fourth quarter. The starters got their well-deserved round of applause as they exited and the reserves got to experience championship game time.
After the game, I joined the celebration on the court. Of course, I was shameless in my pursuit of selfies with the players.
It really has been a pleasure following and covering this team. They are elite athletes and even better people.
My other coverage is at DePaul Blue Demons Win Big East Women's Basketball Tournament on Patch.com and Big East Women's Basketball Tournament for Global Traveler.
I thank the Big East for their hospitality throughout the tournament. I thank the DePaul Blue Demons for their time and consideration all season. I am sad that their season ends here though, because of the health scare. It was a bittersweet ending.
Go to BigEast.com for more info. Also, check DePaulBlueDemons.com.
The 2019-2020 DePaul Blue Demons in Chicago, IL-March 2020.
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