Isaiah Rivera Leads DePaul Past Georgetown in Regular-Season Finale, 83-77
March 8, 2025
CHICAGO — DePaul ended its regular season on a high note Saturday, defeating Georgetown 83-77 in a thrilling Big East matchup at Wintrust Arena. Isaiah Rivera delivered a standout performance, scoring 21 points to propel the Blue Demons to victory in a game that featured multiple lead changes and intense competition.
Rivera’s Impact and DePaul’s Offensive Strength
Rivera, a key contributor throughout the season, was in top form, knocking down crucial shots and showcasing his versatility on offense. He shot efficiently from the field, finishing with an impressive scoring output that kept DePaul in control down the stretch. His ability to drive to the basket, hit mid-range jumpers, and connect from beyond the arc made him a focal point of DePaul’s offensive attack.
Alongside Rivera, the Blue Demons saw strong contributions from their supporting cast. Jalen Terry added 16 points, providing a spark with his quickness and perimeter shooting, while big man Da’Sean Nelson chipped in with 12 points and seven rebounds, controlling the paint against a physical Georgetown frontcourt.
Back-and-Forth Battle with Georgetown
The game started with both teams exchanging baskets early, with neither side able to build a comfortable lead. Georgetown, led by Jayden Epps’ 20-point performance, kept the pressure on DePaul, finding success from three-point range and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.
At halftime, the score was tied at 38-38, setting the stage for a competitive second half. DePaul came out firing after the break, going on an 8-2 run led by Rivera and Terry. However, Georgetown responded with a surge of its own, tying the game again midway through the second half.
The turning point came in the final five minutes when DePaul tightened its defense, forcing key turnovers and converting on fast-break opportunities. Rivera scored seven of his 21 points in the closing minutes, including a clutch three-pointer and a pair of free throws that put the game out of reach.
Postseason Implications for DePaul
The win gives DePaul some much-needed momentum heading into the Big East Tournament. While the Blue Demons have struggled at times during the season, their performance against Georgetown showcased their ability to compete with top teams in the conference.
“This was a big win for us,” Rivera said after the game. “We knew we had to come out strong in our last regular-season game and set the tone for what’s ahead. Now, it’s all about carrying this energy into the tournament.”
DePaul will now shift its focus to the Big East Tournament, where they will look to make a deep run and possibly secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. For now, though, the Blue Demons can celebrate a well-earned victory, led by Rivera’s outstanding performance.
Next Up: DePaul awaits its seeding and matchup for the Big East Tournament, with hopes of making a postseason push. Meanwhile, Georgetown will look to regroup and prepare for its own tournament journey after a tough loss to close the regular season.