Well it was not pretty but the Delaware Blue Hens fought hard and came out victorious over the Marist Red Foxes with a score of 59-56. This was a dramatic homecoming for the fans and players of the Blue Hens because the team had not played at the Bob Carpenter since their December 2nd win over Delaware State. Delaware snapped a two game losing streak with the win on Tuesday night over the Red Foxes. The Blue Hens also added to their home streak of being undefeated which now is at 4-0. Which is the first time they have been 4-0 at home since the 2011-2012 season.
It all started in the first half where Delaware jumped out to a early lead with a quick 5-2 run. Blue Hens Anthony Mosley led that quick run with 4 points, a defensive rebound and steal. The lead did not last long at 16:26 mark in the first, Marist’s Ryan Funk hit a three pointer to tie the game at 5.
Then two teams were just battling each other trading baskets and the lead for a while. At the 9:02 minute mark in the first half the Hens went on a quick 7-0 run to put them up 26-18. The 7-0 run was led by Devonne Pinkard who had a 3 points and a rebound for the Hens.
The Hens would only allow the Red Foxes to score 5 more points in the first half, as they took a 31-23 lead into halftime.
Delaware shot 13 for 28 compared to Marist which shot 8 for 29 from the field in the first half.
The Blue Hens had the advantage in the paint over Marist scoring 18 points while the Red Foxes scored 8.
Delaware’s bench also came to play in the first out scoring Marist’s bench by 6 points.
Cazmon Hayes Ryan Funk was the leading scorer for the Hens with 8 points in the first half.
Ryan Funk was the leading scorer for the Red Foxes with 6 points in the first half.
Then in the second Delaware came out on fire going up by as much 10 points in the early second half. Those pesky Red Foxes were not backing down and went on a 7-0 run around the 9:43 mark to tie the game up at 48. Brian Parker led Marist on that tying run with 4 points and an assist.
The two teams would go back and forth with the lead for a while after Marist tied it up. With 1:53 left the Blue Hens were losing 53-52 and the shots were not falling for them at the time. At 43 seconds left on the clock Devonne Pinkard pulled up for the winning three point shot that put the Hens ahead 55-53. With time running out Marist only chance to win was to foul but the Hens only missed two free throws of the four guys that got sent to the line by the Red Foxes. The Hens would pull out this thriller 59-56 when the final buzzer sounded.
Blue Hens Head coach Martin Ingelsby was proud how his players battled back in the game.
“I’m really proud of our guys because we practice late-game situations every day, and we had to execute down the stretch to win that game,” said Delaware head coach Martin Ingelsby. “What a moment for Devonne (Pinkard). We all know he’s been struggling with his three-point shot. We ran a stagger screen for him and he really stepped up and hit a big shot. I’m excited for our group, I think this is something to build on as we look forward to the CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) season, because once you get into league play, it’s all one or two-possession games. It was not a pretty basketball game tonight, but to be able to hold them to 56 points is something I’m really proud of.”
The Blue Hens had four players that scored in double digits and they were Anthony Mosley (13), Devonne Pinkard (11), Cazmon Hayes (10) and Ryan Daly (10).
The Blue Hens (6-5) will head to Tampa Thursday to take on South Florida. Tip off is at 7:00pm ET.
DE SPORTS BLITZ PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
Blue Hens: Anthony Mosley who had 13 points, 8 rebounds ( 6 defensive, 2 offensive), 3 assist, 1 Block, 2 steals and went 3 for 5 from the free throw line.
Marist: Brian Parker who had 14 points, 15 rebounds ( 11 defensive, 4 offensive), 4 assists and went 4 for 5 from the free throw line.
Stats:
FG Percentage:
Blue Hens: 37.5 %
Marist: 35.7%
Free Throw Percentage:
Blue Hens: 56.5%
Marist: 57.5%
Three Point Percentage:
Blue Hens: 26.7%
Marist: 21.7%
Rebounds:
Blue Hens: 44
Marist: 40
Blocks:
Blue Hens: 4
Marist: 5
Turnovers:
Blue Hens: 11
Marist: 11
Points off Turnovers:
Blue Hens: 12
Marist: 6
College Delaware Sports Blitz 