Men’s Basketball’s Late Comeback Falls Short Against Drexel

Wednesday, February 8

Newark, Del.

7 p.m.

University of Delaware

12-14,4-9CAA

Drexel

14-11,8-5CAA

Drexel

Delaware

Photo by: Mikey Reeves

Men’s Basketball’s Late Comeback Falls Short Against Drexel

2/8/2023 9:29:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

NEWARK, Del. – A 15-point outburst over the final 1:45 was not enough for Delaware (12-14, 4-9 CAA) as it fell against Drexel (14-11, 8-5) 58-54 Wednesday evening.

The first half was about as close as it could be with neither team holding more than a four-point lead until a late run by the Dragons pulled the visitors up by eight at 30-22. Delaware cut the deficit to six with one more bucket for a 30-24 halftime score.

The difference in the first half was points off turnovers and second chance points. Drexel led in both categories with eight and six points, respectively.

Christian Ray led all Blue Hens with seven first-half points to go along with four rebounds. Gianmarco Arletti added six points as the second highest scorer for the home team.

The Hens made it a one-possession game after a 6-3 differential to begin the second half. A scoring drought and eight-straight points for the Dragons pushed the lead to a then game-high 11 points at 43-32 with a Hens' timeout with 8:49 remaining. The home team exploded for a 9-0 run over 29 seconds to pull within four at 54-50 with just 29 ticks left. However, the furious comeback was not enough as the Hens fell 58-54.

Delaware found the edge in points off turnovers and second chance points, as the margins were 12-10 Drexel and 13-13, respectively.

Drexel held the edge in shooting, hitting at a 42.6 percent clip from the field and 29.4 percent from downtown. Delaware did not hit its first three-ball until its late comeback, shooting 40.4 percent overall and 20-percent from three.

Drexel's Yame Butler led all scorers with 17 while Jameer Nelson Jr. notched 15 points for the 15th straight game. Ray recorded his fifth double-double of the season (11 points, 10 rebounds) and Arletti nearly had one of his own with 10 points and nine rebounds.

Delaware gets a much-needed break before hosting league-newcomer Stony Brook on Monday.