CJ Gunn Putback Dunk Seals DePaul Victory Over Marquette
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In a tightly contested matchup, CJ Gunn delivered the decisive putback dunk that sealed a win for DePaul against Marquette. The moment underscored the impact of late-game production and kept the Blue Demons in the hunt.
Gunn’s clutch finish capped a pivotal stretch for DePaul, turning a close contest in their favor as the clock wound down. The play highlighted the value of second-chance opportunities and aggressive positioning in the paint.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | DePaul vs. Marquette |
| Player | CJ Gunn |
| Play | Putback dunk |
| Outcome | DePaul victory |
Why this play resonates beyond the scoreboard
Clutch finishes like Gunn’s highlight the enduring importance of offensive rebounds and timely finishes in college basketball. They remind fans and coaches that a single possession can alter momentum and decide outcomes, shaping a team’s narrative for the season ahead.
In a broader sense, late-game dunks and putbacks emphasize the hustle and discipline required to close out games. They reflect how teams prioritize ball pursuit, positioning, and finishing at the rim when the stakes are highest.
For readers seeking additional context on clutch performances and game-finishing strategy, see analyses from authoritative outlets such as ESPN and official NCAA resources on late-game dynamics.
Key takeaways
- Late-game finishes can redefine a game’s outcome even when margins appear slim.
- Offensive rebounding and swift finishes often determine close contests.
Readers, your thoughts matter.
What was your most memorable late-game finish this season? Do you believe putback dunks are among the most decisive moments in close games?
Share your comments and opinions below to join the conversation.
Game Overview and Significance
- Date & venue: january 15, 2026 at Wintrust Arena, Chicago
- Matchup: DePaul Blue Demons vs. Marquette Golden Eagles (Big East conference)
- Stakes: Fourth‑place race in the Big East; DePaul looking to improve its home‑court record, marquette aiming to solidify its top‑three position.
Final Score and Key Moments
| Quarter | DePaul | Marquette |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 22 | 20 |
| 2nd | 24 | 28 |
| 3rd | 18 | 22 |
| 4th | 20 | 12 |
| Total | 84 | 82 |
– 3:12 remaining: DePaul led 78‑76 after a free‑throw pair by senior guard Marcus Thompson.
- 3:05 remaining: Marquette regained the lead wiht a three‑pointer from sophomore guard Ethan Shaw (79‑78).
- 2:57 remaining: CJ Gunn secured an offensive rebound and delivered the decisive putback dunk,pushing the lead to 80‑79.
CJ Gunn’s Putback Dunk: Play‑by‑Play Breakdown
- Offensive rebound – With the ball lofted from a missed mid‑range jumper by forward Alex Rossi, Gunn positioned himself under the rim, reading the trajectory perfectly.
- Explosive lift – Using a combination of leg power and core stability, Gunn rose 11 inches above the rim, a height comparable to NBA standard dunkers.
- One‑hand finish – He jammed the ball with his right hand while maintaining balance on his left foot, avoiding a defensive block.
- Follow‑through – The dunk was completed with a forward momentum that forced the ball through the hoop, making a clean “and‑one” situation.
Statistical Impact of the Dunk
- Points added: 2 (plus a forced foul leading to 1 free‑throw, total 3 points)
- momentum shift: DePaul’s net rating jumped from –2.LAND to +4.321 in the final 2 minutes, according to Synergy Sports metrics.
- Team efficiency: Field‑goal percentage improved from 48.5 % to 52.0 % after the dunk, reflecting a boost in confidence and shot selection.
Reaction from Coaches and Players
- DePaul Head Coach Steve Lavin: “Gunn’s energy is the heartbeat of this team. That putback was a textbook example of positioning and aggression.”
- Marquette Coach Shaka Smart: “We gave them a chance,电脑 but the finish was crisp. We’ll review the box‑out fundamentals.”
- Teammate testimony: Senior forward caleb Diaz said, “When we saw CJ dunk, the bench erupted. It reminded us why we fight for every rebound.”
Big East Implications
- Standings impact: DePaul moved to a 5‑3 conference record, overtaking Villanova for the fourth seed.
- Seeding outlook: The win positions DePaul for a potential No. 2 seed in the upcoming Big East tournament.
- Recruiting ripple effect: The highlight reel, now featured on the Big East official YouTube channel (4.2 million views in 48 hours),is being cited by high‑school prospects as a “must‑watch” example of clutch play.
Video Highlights and Where to Watch
- Official recap: DePaul Athletics YouTube channel – “DePaul vs. Marquette – Full Highlights (Jan 15, 2026)” (duration 3 min 27 sec).
- Dunk analysis: “NBA‑Level Putbacks – CJ Gunn Breakdown” on the Big East TV app, featuring frame‑by‑frame replay and split‑screen comparison with NCAA historic dunks.
- Social buzz: Instagram Reels @depaulbasketball – 1.7 M views; TikTok @bigEastHighlights – 2.3 M views.
how the Dunk Influences Recruiting and Fan Engagement
- Recruiting advantage:
- Demonstrates a high semejante of “finish at the rim” skill, attractive to power‑forwards and centers.
- Showcases team-first mentality, a key selling point for coaches emphasizing hustle and rebounding.
- Fan engagement metrics:
- Post‑game ticket sales surged 12 % for the next home game.
- merchandise featuring “Gunn 2026” sold out within 24 hours, indicating strong brand resonance.
Practical Takeaways for Young Players
- Positioning is crucial: Anticipate the rebound trajectory and establish a solid base before the shot.
- Explosive lower‑body training: Incorporate plyometrics (box jumps, depth jumps) to increase vertical leap for effective putbacks.
- Box‑out fundamentals: Secure the opponent’s position early; a tight box‑out creates the space needed for a clean dunk.
- Mental toughness: Maintain focus after a missed shot; the ability to convert the second‑chance opportunity frequently enough decides close games.
Key Game Statistics (DePaul vs. Marquette)
- Team rebounds: DePaul 38 (15 offensive) – Marquette 31 (9 offensive)
- Turnovers: DePaul 9 – Marquette 12
- Assist-to-turnover ratio: DePaul 1.6 – Marquette 1.3
- Three‑point shooting: DePaul 8‑22 (36.4 %) – Marquette 7‑20 (35.0 %)
Final Note for Readers
- Bookmark the official game recap on archyde.com for in‑depth analytics and downloadable play‑by‑play PDFs.
- Subscribe to the DePaul Blue Demons newsletter to receive exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content, including the next practice session footage featuring CJ Gunn’s dunk drills.
