Allen Fuels Blue Hens’ Comeback as Delaware Defeats UNCW, 67-62

Sunday, January 24

Wilmington, NC

1:00 PM

University of Delaware

5-7,3-4CAA

UNCW

7-6,1-3CAA

Delaware

UNCW

Allen Fuels Blue Hens’ Comeback as Delaware Defeats UNCW, 67-62

1/24/2021 3:51:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Ryan Allen scored a season-high 25 points to fuel a big second half comeback as Delaware rallied to defeat UNCW, 67-62, Sunday afternoon at Trask Coliseum.

Allen, who moved into ninth place on the UD career scoring list, hit a huge jumper while getting fouled with 15 seconds left to put the Blue Hens up three. He then missed the free throw but Johnny McCoy grabbed the offensive board, while Allen was again fouled and nailed two foul shots to seal the win.

Dylan Painter posted his fifth straight double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds for the Blue Hens, while Kevin Anderson added nine points on the day.

Delaware took a slim 37-36 lead into the half but missed its first seven shots and committed six turnovers during the opening seven minutes of the second period, allowing the Seahawks to jump out to a 49-39 lead.

UNCW went up 52-41 a minute later on a Jake Boggs three-pointer, before UD answered with a six-point spurt to pull within five.

The Blue Hens were still down seven at 58-51 but then scored eight consecutive points, taking a 59-58 lead on a baseline jumper by Allen with five minutes remaining.

The Seahawks went back in front 62-61 on a Mike Okauru jumper with 2:50 left, but Painter answered with a layup to put Delaware up for good. Painter then blocked a shot by UNCW's Jaylen Sims at the other end, before Allen scored the final four points of the game.

Delaware shot 52.5 percent from the field and held a 35-28 rebounding advantage to earn a split of the weekend series with the Seahawks.

Martin Ingelsby
"I'm really proud of our group, and especially proud of Ryan Allen. We put on a lot on his shoulders and got the ball in his hands, and he stepped up and made some tough shots. We dug in defensively during the last couple minutes against a good offensive team. This is a heck of a win and gives us some confidence heading home."