Jessica January scored 24 points and No. 18 DePaul hit free throws down the stretch to defeat Western Kentucky 77-69 in the first round of the Gulf Coast Showcase Friday in Estero, Fla.
DePaul hit 10-of-11 free throws in the fourth quarter and was held without a field goal in the last 7:33. WKU (2-2) made just two of its last 10 shots in the fourth quarter and will play Kent State on Saturday at 10 a.m.
Kendall Noble led the Lady Toppers with 19 points and Ivy Brown notched a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.