DePaul Rolls To 96-58 Win Over Grambling State
CHICAGO (AP) — Freshman Tommy Hamilton IV scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in his college debut to help the DePaul Blue Demons to a 96-58 victory over Grambling State in their season-opener at McGrath-Phillips Arena on Saturday.
Senior Cleveland Melvin poured in a team-high 17 points, knocking down all five of his 3-point attempts.
The 6-foot-8 senior was named to the second team preseason All-Big East. He averaged 16.6 points per game as a junior.
But it was Hamilton, a Chicago native, who stole the show. He secured his first career double-double by halftime to help send Grambling State to its 29th straight loss.
He used his 6-foot-10, 284-pound frame to dominate the glass and get to the free throw line.
DePaul (1-0) started the second half on a 13-2 run and maintained a healthy lead to lock up its sixth consecutive season-opening victory.
A'Torri Shine had a game-high 21 points for Grambling State (0-1), which hasn't won since March 3, 2012, a 75-72 OT win against Alabama A&M.
The Tigers were sloppy out of the gate, committing 12 turnovers in the first half and making only six of 12 free throws.
They fared no better in the second half, finishing with 23 turnovers.
Head coach Joseph Price, entering his second season, has yet to win a game at the helm.
DePaul senior Brandon Young, who led the team last year with 16.7 points per game, was held to seven points, but dished out six assists. He dealt with an eye issue just a minute into the game. Timeout was called so he could readjust a contact lens.
(© 2013by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)
