GAME NOTES: The DePaul Blue Demons put a four-game win streak on the line on Thursday evening, as they take on the George Washington Colonials in non- conference action at the Smith Center.

Oliver Purnell's Blue Demons are off to a strong start, having won six of their first seven games on the docket. DePaul's lone loss was at home against Lehigh back on Nov. 26, but the team hasn't lost since, including Sunday's 83-61 rout of Milwaukee.

Mike Lonergan's Colonials have gotten out of the gates fast as well, sporting a 5-2 overall record. George Washington has won two straight games and was last in action on Sunday as part of the 20th annual BB&T Classic, where it downed Charlotte, 78-70.

These team have split four all-time meetings, with the last going to DePaul in the fourth annual BB&T Classic in 1998 (87-79). These two teams could meet up again later this month as they are part of the field for the 2014 Diamond Head Classic in Hawaii.

The Blue Demons are getting the job done with stellar play at the offensive end of the floor this season. The team is shooting an impressive .495 from the floor overall, including .410 from behind the arc. The efficiency has carried over to the free-throw line as well, where DePaul knocks down just over 75 percent of its charity tosses. The result is a strong 79.7 ppg thanks to great scoring depth. Four of the five starters are averaging double figures, starting with Myke Henry's 17.0 ppg. The 6-foot-6 junior is shooting .553 from the floor and is grabbing 6.4 rebounds per game. Center Tommy Hamilton IV has been efficient down low, converting 52.3 percent from the floor and averaging 15.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per outing. Billy Garrett Jr. and Jamee Crockett round out the top scoring threats on the team with 13.6 and 11.7 ppg, respectively.

Once again, DePaul used superior firepower to cruise past Milwaukee last time out. The Blue Demons shot ,524 from the floor overall and outscored the Panthers 32-12 at the free-throw line. Hamilton was a perfect 7-of-7 from the floor and 9-of-12 from the free-throw line to lead all scorers with 25 points. Henry finished with 12 points, while Garrett and Aaron Simpson chimed in with 11 apiece.

While DePaul's success is fueled by its offense, George Washington is getting it done with defensive tenacity. The Colonials are yielding just 58.0 ppg this year, while holding foes under 40 percent shooting overall (.385) and under 30 percent from behind the arc (.275). In addition, the team holds positive margins in terms of rebounds (+5.7) and turnovers (+2.9).Offensively, GW is led by the backcourt duo of Patricio Garino and Kethan Savage. The 6-foot-6 Garino is shooting the ball extremely well at a .557 clip and paces the team with 14.6 ppg. Savage is next in the scoring column at 13.7 ppg. Forward Kevin Larsen and guard Joe McDonald are just under double digits with 9.6 and 8.9 ppg, respectively.

George Washington shot a scorching .636 from the floor in the first half to take a 31-28 lead over Charlotte into halftime. The Colonials cooled off a little in the second half (.484) but were still able to come out with an eight-point victory. Garino drained 10 of his 14 shots from the floor and topped the team with 21 points. Savage (15 pts), McDonald (11 pts, 8 asts) and Larsen (10 pts) made sizable contributions as well.

This game should be a good one, with a strong offensive squad battling a strong defensive one. The homecourt advantage obviously favors the Colonials, but DePaul is dialed in right now and should find a way to get the win here.