ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) -Forward Dar Tucker scored 26 points and freshman guard Jeremiah Kelly added 11 as DePaul held off a late Indiana State rally to claim a 75-70 men's college basketball victory on Saturday.
Kelly had a critical steal and layup with 35 seconds to play to give the host Blue Demons a 71-66 lead while Tucker hit 3-of-4 free throws in the final 13 seconds.
DePaul is now 4-0 for the first time since 2002 and ha beaten Indiana State in 11 of 12 meetings dating back to 1935-36. The Sycamores (0-4) matched their poorest early-season start since 2001.
The Blue Demons shook off early 1-of-9 shooting to construct a 30-4 run on the way to a 39-19 halftime advantage.
DePaul also shot 1-of-9 to open the second half while Indiana State hit five three pointers in the first 7:06 to trim the deficit to single digits. The Sycamores closed to within two points at 68-66 with 1:01 to play on a Rashad Reed jumper and twice got to within three points in the final 20 seconds.
Guard Jabari Currie added 10 points for DePaul while the Sycamores had three players in double figures. Guard Aaron Carter scored 19 points, Reed had 17 while center Josh Crawford added 12.
Indiana State's only victory over DePaul came in the 1979 NCAA Final Four, when the Larry Bird-led Sycamores beat the Blue Demons 76-74.
