Penn victorious in inaugural Cathedral Classic with 86-73 win over Delaware

Penn won its third game in as many days in the inaugural Cathedral Classic at the Palestra after defeating Delaware, 86-73, on Sunday behind guards Clark Slajchert and Jordan Dingle, who combined for 48 points on 17-for-31 shooting.

Sophomore forward Nick Spinoso added 18 points, nine assists, and six rebounds on 66% shooting from the field for the Quakers (5-4).

Jameer Nelson Jr. did all he could for the Blue Hens with 30 points and five assists.

Slajchert lit it up all weekend, posting a career high in points (33), field goals made (13), three-pointers made (5), and steals (3) against Colgate on Saturday.

His hot shooting continued against Delaware, as a pair of three-pointers helped the Quakers mount an 8-0 run to take a 17-11 lead.

“I feel like they were always giving us something,” said Slajchert. “When they give me good shots, I feel good about taking them.”

The Blue Hens (3-3) slowly clawed their way back, led by Nelson’s 20 first-half points. But Nelson was offset by Slajchert and Dingle, who combined for 25 points to help Penn own a 42-39 lead at the break.

Delaware seized a brief two-point advantage following threes from Nelson and guard LJ Owens, but the active play of senior Lucas Monroe and Spinoso, which featured offensive rebounding and steals, was capped off by a resounding Dingle dunk to hand the lead back to Penn.

Slajchert and Dingle then closed out the game late. Slajchert began with a couple of midrange buckets, and then Dingle sealed the deal after he connected on a four-point play.

“It’s a great way to get the team fired up during the offseason if they can have that tournament prize at the end,” said Quakers coach Steve Donahue.

Penn returns to the Palestra on Wednesday to take on 2-3 St. Joseph’s (5:30 p.m., NBCSP+).