(WSCR) – DePaul nearly lost to Central Michigan with only a two point lead with nine minutes left in the game. The Blue Demons finally pulled away and left the Chippewas behind during the final six minutes of the game to win 71-62.

ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) Freshman Brandon Young scored 31 points, making all six of his 3-point attempts, and DePaul overcame a 14-point first-half deficit to beat Central Michigan 71-62 on Sunday night.

DePaul (3-4) forced Central Michigan into 28 turnovers, 17 coming in the second half.

Young took over midway in the second half, hitting a 3-pointer, stealing the ball and setting up Jimmy Drew for a layup, and finally hitting another 3 to give DePaul a 50-48 lead with 9:17 left.

That was DePaul’s first lead of the game, and the Blue Demons went ahead for good when Young’s sixth 3-pointer made it 61-58 with 5:40 left. They outscored the Chippewas 14-4 the rest of the way.

Jalin Thomas scored 19 points for Central Michigan (2-5).

Tony Freeland added 14 points and nine rebounds for the Blue Demons.

Updated December 5, 2010

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