Seton Hall guard/forward Desiree Elmore (25) drives against DePaul guard Deja Church, left, and guard Kelly Campbell during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big East women's tournament semifinals, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) - Lexi Held scored 22 points, including a clutch corner 3, four players scored in double figures and No. 18 DePaul survived a tense final few minutes to defeat Seton Hall 83-80 in the Big East Conference semifinals on Sunday.
Seton Hall had two whacks at a tying basket off of inbounds plays in the last two seconds. Alexa Lewis had her first try go off the rim and out of bounds. A final try also missed and a putback came after time expired.
Depaul (27-5), the tournament's top seed, advances to Monday's championship game, facing either St. John's or Marquette.
The Blue Demons never led by more than 11 and any double-digit lead was brief as fourth-seeded Seton Hall (19-12) was 49% shooting for the game, scoring 52 points in the paint. The Pirates connected on more field goals than DePaul (35-31) and held a 43-36 edge in rebounding.
Led by Held's four 3-pointers, the Blue Demons were devastating from outside, making 14 of 35 from beyond the 3-point arc. Chante Stonewall added 18 points, making three from distance, and grabbed seven rebounds for DePaul. Kelly Campbell drained four 3-pointers, scoring 16 points and making five assists and Sonya Morris scored 14 points, including a pair of 3s, with six assists.
Desiree Elmore led the Pirates with 26 points on 12-for-16 shooting, adding 13 rebounds. Shadeen Samuels scored 13 and the trio of Lauren Park-Lake, Lewis and Mya Jackson each added 10 points. Park-Lane led with seven assists.
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Seton Hall head coach Anthony Bozzella reacts to a call during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against DePaul in the Big East women's tournament semifinals, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Associated Press
Seton Hall guard Lauren Park-Lane reacts after losing the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against DePaul in the Big East women's tournament semifinals, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Associated Press
Seton Hall forward Shadeen Samuels, left, shoots against DePaul forward Chante Stonewall during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big East women's tournament semifinals, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Associated Press
Seton Hall guard Lauren Park-Lane, right, is congratulated by forward Shadeen Samuels after scoring a basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against DePaul in the Big East women's tournament semifinals, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Associated Press
DePaul forward Chante Stonewall, center, drives to the basket against Seton Hall guard Lauren Park-Lane, left, and guard/forward Desiree Elmore during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big East women's tournament semifinals, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Associated Press
DePaul head coach Doug Bruno, left, calls his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Seton Hall in the Big East women's tournament semifinals, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Associated Press
Seton Hall guard/forward Alexis Lewis, left, shoots over DePaul guard Lexi Held during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big East women's tournament semifinals, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Associated Press
Seton Hall guard Mya Jackson, right, drives against DePaul forward Chante Stonewall during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big East women's tournament semifinals, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Associated Press
Seton Hall guard/forward Desiree Elmore, left, drives to the basket against DePaul guard Deja Church, right, and guard Lexi Held during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big East women's tournament semifinals, Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Associated Press