ROSEMONT–-Big rallies down the stretch of the first half for DePaul helped the Blue Demons secure an 83-75 win over St. John’s Thursday night at Allstate Arena. Billy Garrett Jr.’s double-double of 19 points and 10 assists led four players in double-figures for the Blue Demons.It was an even contest to start the night as both teams traded baskets and were tied at 17-all with 9:49 left in the half. Three straight baskets helped DePaul break away from the Red Storm and the Blue Demons built their advantage to as large as 17 on two occasions, including right before halftime off an Eli Cain three-pointer to make the score 45-28.After a Tommy Hamilton IV jumper brought the DePaul lead to 21, St. John’s began to cut the deficit. The Red Storm brought the score within six with 35 seconds to go in the half, but that would be as close as the score would get. Free throws by Myke Henry at the end of the game secured the eight-point win for DePaul (9-18, 3-12 BIG EAST).St. John’s (8-21, 1-15 BIG EAST) was led by 20 points from Ron Movouika and Durand Johnson scored 15 points.DePaul hits the road with a quick turnaround at Providence. The Blue Demons and Friars and scheduled for a 3 p.m. CT start on Saturday at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

NOTES—Garrett Jr. (320 assists) passed Peter Patton (313 assists) for 15th on DePaul’s all-time assists list… Garrett moved to 37th on DePaul’s all-time scoring list after scoring his 11th point… the Blue Demons have knocked down at least one three-pointer in 703 straight games… Garrett recorded his first double-double of the season and third of his career… St. John’s leads the all-time series, 20-17… the home team has won seven straight games in the series… DePaul is now 5-2 when at least four players reach double-figure scoring.