DePaul launched the Oliver Purnell era with an impressive 114-81 home win over Chicago State on Sunday.

Playing Purnell's trademark up-tempo style, the Blue Demons put five players in double figures, led by sophomore forward Tony Freeland's 21 points. Cleveland Melvin and Mike Stovall scored 19 apiece.

The Blue Demons are hoping to erase the memory of last year's 8-23 mark, which included a 1-17 record in the Big East. Purnell, who is 394-280 in his career, knows how to turn around a program and most recently led Clemson to three straight NCAA Tournament berths.

Senior guard Christian Wall led Chicago State (1-1) with 15 points.