NJ Benson eventually developed into a starter for DePaul last season after being a lineup fixture at Missouri State the year before.
The Blue Demons forward continues to show progress as a senior, averaging a career-best 11.8 points and 24.4 minutes per game entering Tuesday’s game against Morgan State in Chicago.
Benson displayed his persistence and leadership Saturday, contributing a career-best 26 points on 11-for-15 shooting to key a four-point home win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
“He was really vocal. He was hungry to get the ball,” DePaul coach Chris Holtmann said. “He attacked aggressively from the start of the game.”
DePaul (6-3) played without guard Brandon Maclin (shoulder) on Saturday after he was injured Nov. 29. Maclin “is making real progress,” Holtmann said, but he remains day-to-day.
Freshman Kruz McClure has capitalized on increased minutes during Maclin’s absence, scoring at least 17 points in the past two games. He scored each of his 17 points against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the second half.
“He’s such a confident kid,” Holtmann said. “His aggressiveness, his confidence, his ability to get to the free-throw line. We got to shoot the ball better, but he was terrific there offensively, and he’s learning defensively. He’s committed.”
Morgan State has lost six straight to fall to 1-7. The Bears’ lone victory came against Central Pennsylvania College, a USCAA Division II school, on Nov. 6.
Morgan State is 0-1 against Big East foes this season after losing 87-70 at Georgetown in its season opener on Nov. 3. Bears coach Kevin Broadus is a former Hoyas assistant.
While guards Alfred Worrell Jr. (15.3), Elijah Davis (14.3) and Rob Lawson (13.1) are averaging double figures in points, the Bears have struggled lately to connect in closing time. Their bid to erase a 12-point second-half deficit fell short during Saturday’s 84-80 home loss to Longwood despite Davis’ game-high 21 points.
On Nov. 25, Morgan State couldn’t catch visiting Drexel after falling behind by 15, losing 71-66.
“We’re playing good basketball, but we need to play good basketball for 40 minutes instead of 30 minutes,” Broadus said.
DePaul and Morgan State split their two previous games. Tuesday marks their first meeting since November 2018.
