ROSEMONT, Ill. – Bradley jumped out to a 21-12 lead midway through the first half, before 18th-ranked DePaul answered with a 24-3 run to go in front and the Blue Demons went on to hand the Braves a 101-77 setback Tuesday night at Allstate Arena.

A strong start, which saw Bradley (0-2 overall) make 8-of-13 from the field, helped the Braves race out to a 21-12 advantage midway through the opening period.  Junior Fantasia Vine (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) made a pair of three pointers during the opening spurt and freshman Madison Dellamuth (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Prairie) capped the run with a breakaway layup.

Defending Big East champ and preseason favorite DePaul (3-1 overall) came roaring back after a sluggish start, however.  The Blue Demons started the game 5-for-24 from the field, but made 14-of-22 (64 percent) to close the first period and took a 52-39 lead at the half thanks in part to a 24-3 spurt.

Bradley scored on the first possession of the second half, before DePaul answered with 11 consecutive points to start a 21-4 run which extended the Blue Demons' lead to 73-45 with just under 15 minutes to play.  DePaul went on to win the game 101-77. 

Vine made 3-of-5 three-point attempts and collected a team-high 13 points off the bench to lead Bradley.  Senior Michelle Young (Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury) added 11 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore Charnelle Reed (Flossmoor, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor/Western Illinois) was also in double figures with 10 points and three steals off the bench.

Sophomore Leti Lerma (Muscatine, Iowa/Muscatine) tied for game-high honors with 10 rebounds and helped the Braves to a 50-39 rebounding advantage. 

DePaul had six players score in double figures, led by Brittany Hrynko who had 19 points, eight assists and seven steals.  Chanise Jenkins had 16 points and six assists, while Megan Rogowski matched Jenkins with 16 points to help lead the Blue Demons.  DePaul forced 39 Bradley turnovers and posted a 48-24 edge in points off turnovers.

Bradley continues a season-long five-game road swing Friday with a 7 p.m. game at Oklahoma.