CHICAGO, Ill. — Despite a team-high 20 points from senior guard Jaini Edmonds (Worcester, Mass.), the UMass Lowell women's basketball team (4–6) was unable to overcome a strong second and third quarter from DePaul (3–8), falling 78–48 on Thursday night at Wintrust Arena.

"Jaini was our lone bright spot tonight in a disappointing result," commented head coach Jon Plefka. "It's a testament to her preparation going into this game. Unfortunately, our effort to close the second quarter put us in a deficit we couldn't come back from especially against a Big East team."

UMass Lowell traded baskets with DePaul early before the Blue Demons created separation late in the opening quarter. The River Hawks were limited to nine points in the frame, trailing 15–9 after 10 minutes. Edmonds and junior guard Paris Gilmore (Youngstown, Ohio) accounted for early scoring for UMass Lowell before DePaul closed the period with a late push.

The River Hawks worked to cut into the deficit early in the second quarter, with baskets from senior guard Sabrina Larsson (Uppsala, Sweden) and Edmonds helping steady the offense. A fast-break three from senior guard Amina Kameric (Seattle, Wash.) briefly brought the margin back to one possession midway through the period. DePaul responded with an extended run down the stretch, closing the half on a 12–0 surge over the final minutes to take a 39–21 lead into the locker room.

UMass Lowell opened the second half on the offense, as Edmonds scored on a driving layup and graduate forward Anabel Latorre Ciria (Zaragoza, Spain) added a finish inside. DePaul capitalized on second-chance opportunities and turnovers during the middle of the quarter to extend the margin, but the River Hawks added late baskets from Edmonds before heading into the fourth trailing 68–36.

The River Hawks continued to compete in the final period, outscoring DePaul 12–10 over the final 10 minutes. Edmonds led the closing stretch offensively, while Nia Chima added points at the free-throw line, but DePaul maintained control to secure the 78–48 decision.

Edmonds finished with a season-high 20 points to lead UMass Lowell, while Latorre Ciria added six points and eight rebounds.

UMass Lowell returns home on Sunday Dec. 14, looking to reset with a 1 p.m. matchup against LIU.