DePaul 69, UMBC 61
ROSEMONT, Ill. -- Cleveland Melvin scored 24 points and Jamee Crockett added 11 as DePaul extended its winning streak to seven with Saturday's 69-61 victory over Maryland-Baltimore County at Allstate Arena.
Melvin's production included a 9-of-14 free-throw performance while his teammates collectively went 25 of 37.
Now 9-3, DePaul's streak is the longest since 1993-94 when it won nine straight.
Aaron Morgan led Maryland-Baltimore County (2-10) with 15 points, Ryan Cook had 13 and Brian Neller added 12. The Retrievers, who never got closer than six points in the second half, have lost five straight and nine of their last 10.
The Blue Demons led 38-30 at halftime and held a double-digit lead through much of the second half.
Saturday's meeting was the first between the programs.
DePaul led 38-30 after a first half plagued by 20 turnovers, including 10 by each team.
The Blue Demons broke away from a 23-23 tie and took control with seven unanswered points, part of a 15-7 run through the final 6:23 of the half.
Young closed the first 20 minutes with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. Melvin had 10 first half points but also turned the ball over four times. Crockett also had 10 points.
DePaul closed with 18 turnovers and shot 24 of 61 from the field (39.3 percent) for the game.
Maryland-Baltimore County was also 20 of 49 from the field (40.8 percent).
The Retrievers close the year next Saturday at Mt. St. Mary, then open America East play on Jan. 2 at Albany.
The Blue Demons host Loyola next Saturday in the 56th meeting of the North Side rival. DePaul begins Big East play on Jan. 2 at home against Seton Hall.
Notes: DePaul's starting lineup had more of a Baltimore flavor than visiting Maryland-Baltimore County. Blue Demons starters Cleveland Melvin and Brandon Young both hail from the Maryland city. ... The Blue Demons are among two Big East teams on the Retrievers schedule. Maryland-Baltimore County dropped a 79-46 decision on Nov. 26 at Marquette. ... DePaul is 12-0 against the current America East members. Albany was the last conference opponent the Demons faced, a 74-64 victory in the opening round of the 2009 NIT.
