Drexel defeats Delaware, 58-48

NEWARK, Del. - Drexel prevailed in a back-and-forth battle with Colonial Athletic Association rival Delaware on Saturday night, defeating the Blue Hens 58-48 at the Bob Carpenter Center.

With the score tied at 42 and five minutes remaining, Drexel (16-7, 8-5 CAA) took advantage of Delaware's errors to go on a 16-6 run to end the game. The Hens (11-12, 6-7) committed six fouls and three turnovers in less than five minutes.

Drexel continued its strong play of late, winning for the fifth time in six games.

"It was a bloodbath out there tonight," Drexel coach Bruiser Flint said. "This game was about intensity, and we ratcheted up the intensity a little bit and that's why we were able to get back in it and win the game."

Guard Chris Fouch, Drexel's leading scorer, propelled his team to a second-half comeback with 19 points after intermission. Despite starting the game on the bench, Fouch finished with a game-high 23 points and seven rebounds. Freshman forward Dartaye Ruffin added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Dragons.

"We knew that this was a big game," Fouch said. "We just came out and played hard."

Fouch said Delaware's defense overplayed his jump shot, a strategy he used to drive to the bucket and collect free throws. He shot 7 of 8 from the line.

Drexel's defense held Delaware to a season-low 29.4 percent from the field. Guard Jawan Carter, Delaware's top scorer this season, was held to eight points. Drexel scores 32 points in the paint.

Both teams started off slow in the first half, with neither scoring 10 points until the 8:41 mark. Delaware and Drexel combined for only eight buckets in the first thirteen minutes.

Drexel shot 47.1 percent in the first half while Delaware was just 7 for 26.

Saturday's win pushed Drexel into fifth place in the CAA above James Madison, which it will play Wednesday at home.

"This league is tough," Flint said. "We get to go home for a couple of games and we got to be ready."