CINCINNATI (Interstat) — A dominant fourth-quarter surge propelled the Xavier women’s basketball team to a comeback victory over DePaul on Tuesday night, overcoming a double-digit deficit to win 71-61 in a Big East Conference matchup at Cintas Center.

The Musketeers, who trailed by as many as 11 points in the first half and entered the final period down by four, unleashed a 29-point fourth quarter to stun the visiting Blue Demons. The decisive run flipped a game that DePaul had largely controlled through the first 30 minutes.

DePaul established an early rhythm, sprinting to a 22-15 lead after the first quarter behind efficient offense. The Blue Demons extended their advantage to 33-26 by halftime, capitalizing on Xavier’s early shooting struggles and a series of turnovers. The third quarter saw DePaul maintain its edge, taking a 53-47 lead into the final frame.

The game’s complexion changed entirely in the fourth quarter. Xavier’s defense intensified, generating steals and contested shots that fueled its transition game. The Musketeers opened the period on a 19-4 run, seizing a lead they would not relinquish. DePaul’s offense, so fluid earlier, stagnated under the heightened pressure, managing only eight points in the quarter on a series of missed shots and turnovers.

Xavier’s victory was anchored by a balanced and persistent offensive effort. Meri Kanerva, a guard from Espoo, Finland, led all scorers with 15 points, including several key baskets during the comeback, and added three assists. Cincinnati native MacKenzie Givens provided a crucial interior presence, scoring a team-high 18 points. Mariyah Noel contributed 16 points and four assists, while Savannah White filled the stat sheet with 11 points, five assists and three blocked shots, anchoring the defensive effort.

DePaul, which fell to 4-15 overall and 1-5 in the Big East, was led by 12 points each from Alayna West and Michelle Ojo. Ally Timm added 11 points. The Blue Demons showed resilience for three quarters but could not withstand Xavier’s final push, continuing a difficult season that has seen only one win since late December.

Xavier improved to 10-7 overall and 3-3 in conference play, securing a vital win as it navigates the middle of the Big East schedule. The Musketeers had entered the game as statistical favorites but for much of the night appeared headed for a second straight loss before their explosive finish.

The most critical sequence of the game occurred in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. With DePaul leading 53-47, Xavier’s defense locked down, forcing consecutive turnovers. This ignited a 9-0 run in just over two minutes, giving the Musketeers their first lead since the game’s opening basket. The run was capped by a Meri Kanerva steal and layup, followed by a free throw, which energized the home crowd of 943 and visibly deflated the Blue Demons. This sudden shift in momentum proved irreversible, as Xavier’s confidence soared while DePaul struggled to execute against the swarming defense.

Both teams return to conference action Saturday. Xavier will host St. John’s, while DePaul returns home to face Seton Hall.