Blue Hens Hang on For 76-75 Victory Over Drexel

Saturday, January 26

Bob Carpenter Center

2:00 PM

University of Delaware

14-8, 6-3CAA

Drexel

10-12, 4-5CAA

Drexel

Delaware

Photo by: Mark Campbell

1/26/2019 5:29:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

NEWARK, Del. – Delaware used a strong field goal percentage to build a double digit lead and held off a Drexel charge down the stretch to edge the Dragons, 76-75, Saturday afternoon the Bob Carpenter Center.

The Blue Hens (14-8, 6-3 CAA) shot 55.8 percent from the field, including 11 of 21 from three-point range, and never trailed during the game. Ryan Allen poured in 26 points on 10 of 16 shooting from the floor, while Ithiel Horton added 19 points and Kevin Anderson chipped in with 16 of his own. Eric Carter contributed six points and a game-high 13 rebounds for the Blue Hens as well.

mbb19-horton-drexel

All five starters reached double figures for the Dragons (10-12, 4-5 CAA), including Troy Harper's team-high 16 points.

Delaware scored the first eight points of the game, and later used a 10-point spurt to go in front 29-18 with 6:23 left in the opening half. The margin grew to as much as 15, while a Horton three-pointer in the final seconds gave the Blue Hens a 44-33 halftime cushion.

UD led by a comfortable margin for most of the second period, and was up 74-61 with 2:16 remaining after a three-point play by Allen. However the Blue Hens then committed five turnovers, allowing the Dragons to close within 74-72 with 12 seconds to go.

Anderson then hit two free throws, and following a three-pointer by Drexel's Trevor John, Horton was fouled with two seconds left. He missed the front end of the one-and-one, but after Alihan Demir grabbed the rebound, he was called for travelling and UD inbounded the ball to seal the win.

Head Coach Martin Ingelsby
"Give Drexel credit for making a late run, but we didn't do a good job of handling the ball. We're a program that harps on taking care of the basketball, but we were rattled today. We have to be better and more poised in late game situations. We had some uncharacteristic turnovers, and have to learn how to finish games. I'm happy with the win, but we need improvement from our group."

"We were really efficient offensively in the first half, and Ithiel Horton and Ryan Allen both got into a good groove. I'm happy to be 6-3 in the CAA, but we've got to get back to work."

Ryan Allen
"We're a better team than what we've been showing, and we need to work on end of game situations. We need to stay focused and put two good halves together."

Game Notes
• The Blue Hens are 6-3 or better midway through the CAA schedule for just the fourth time
• Delaware defeated Drexel in Newark for the fourth consecutive year
• The Blue Hens shot over 55 percent for the second time in three games
• Anderson's 16 points are his third highest total of the year
• Allen posted his third 20-point effort of the season
• Delaware committed 21 turnovers after committing just two vs. Towson