For openers, Blue Hens show signs of being among CAA basketball's elite
Delaware’s first lesson as the Coastal Athletic Association basketball schedule commenced was don’t get spoiled.
The Blue Hens dominated overmatched Hampton from the start Thursday at the Carpenter Center and coasted to an 80-53 win.
It’s very unlikely they’ll have another league game during the ensuing 17 in which victory will be so decisive, though if Delaware does it’ll be a very positive sign.
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The CAA’s expansion from what was a 10-team league two years ago to 14 now certainly makes lopsided outcomes more possible, despite its well-earned reputation as being balanced from top to bottom during Delaware’s 23-year stay.
A significantly more challenging contest looms Saturday at Hofstra, especially because the hosts will be smarting from Thursday’s 73-61 home loss to defending champ Charleston. But as CAA play gets under way, these four factors come to mind as being crucial for the Blue Hens (9-5):
Shoot well, defend diligently
The Blue Hens are 6-1 when shooting 45% or higher, including Thursday’s 49.2 on 31-for-63 aim.
They are 8-0 when allowing 69 points or less and 1-5 when giving up 70 or more. That latter figure is especially crucial considering this was the third straight game Delaware scored more than 80 points but the first it won.
“I really challenged our group from a defensive standpoint,” Delaware coach Martin Ingelsby said. “I thought that set the tone early with our energy and effort.”
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The Hens limited Hampton to 30.5-percent shooting, a season low for Delaware, its determination fueled by a 67-66 road loss last year in the teams’ lone meeting.
“I definitely think for our first conference game we came out aggressive and locked in,” said defensive aficionado Niels Lane, the Florida transfer.
Continue being versatile and balanced
Delaware had four double-digit scorers against Hampton in Jyare Davis (17 points), Lane (season-high 15), Gerald Drumgoole Jr. (14) and Jalen Trent (13).
Christian Ray was close with nine to go along with his game-high 13 rebounds.
Cavan Reilly is averaging 11.3 points per game and had a tough 1-for-7 night with just three points, but he is equally capable, as his Tyler Houser, whose 3-point aim was also off.
“This is a team,” Ingelsby said, “that can put points on the board without being so dependent from the 3-point line. Getting to the foul line, getting out in transition.”
Delaware has far better depth and versatility than last year, when it went 17-16, and can actually adjust how it plays depending on matchups. That includes using more zone defense, as it did effectively versus Hampton.
“I think that’s something we need to have in our defensive system,” Inglesby said, “to give people some different looks.”
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Own the home floor
The Blue Hens now have three straight away games before returning home to host Stony Brook Jan. 18.
When they do, they must begin to establish a home-court identity in a way that’s eluded them the last two years, in which Delaware went 10-8 in CAA home games.
“The teams that compete for championships and get that double bye,” Ingelsby said, “they take care of business on their home floor.”
Finish top four
A top-four finish – the double bye to which Ingelsby referred -- is critical while a bottom-four place in the standings is undesirable. The former dictates a 3-game path to the CAA Tournament title while the latter would necessitate a 5-game run.
Delaware certainly views itself as top-4 worthy. But it also has considerable company there, especially in the aforementioned Charleston and Hofstra, as well as Drexel and UNC-Wilmington. Those two also met Thursday with the Dragons prevailing 78-63 in Philadelphia.
The CAA annually has someone unexpected emerge also, with Monmouth showing it may be capable.
That top four will be a tough club to crack but the Blue Hens appear capable if they’re consistent.
“We’ve got a hell of an opportunity Saturday against a really, really good basketball team,” Ingelsby said, with many more critical and revealing contests to fill January and February coming after that.
Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware Blue Hens top Hampton Pirates in CAA basketball opener
