Delle Donne Makes Home Debut

The second largest crowd ever to see a University of Delaware women’s hoop game at the Bob was not disappointed as Elena Delle Donne and the Blue Hens delivered a 67-50 win over Navy in Delle Donne’s first home game as a Hen.

The second largest crowd ever to see a University of Delaware women’s hoop game at the Bob was not disappointed as Elena Delle Donne and the Blue Hens delivered a 67-50 win over Navy in Delle Donne’s first home game as a Hen.

“We had a great crowd tonight. It felt awesome to be back home.”  said Delle Donne. “And with me, I really feel like I’m at home.  I love this court.”

Delle Donne led the Blue Hens with a game-high 26 points on 11 of 17 shooting from the field in front of 3040 fans in Newark.  The former national high school player of the year at Wilmington’s  Ursuline Academy added 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Delaware used a 16-3 run late in the first half to turn a 2 point deficit into a 8 point halftime advantage.  Delle Donne scored 8 points and dished out two assists during that spurt.

“The kid has taken a lot on, but I think she’s just so happy to be here in Delaware.”  UD head coach Tina Martin said.  “And remember, she’s just a freshman.  It’s very rare that a freshman is going to lead a team like she’s leading us, and everyone else can play off of her. And that’s what I’m looking for, is that everybody else steps up and plays off of her.”

Delaware also got double figures from Danielle Parker (13 points) and Tesia Harris (12 points) as the Hens won their third straight and improved to 5-3.

“We jelled really well tonight. Delle Donne said.  “Everyone was hitting the open man and that’s what we have to do to be a really solid basketball team, because we have so many great players.”

“I think, once the kids hit a groove, this could be a lot of fun.” Martin said.

UD continues a five game homestand Sunday at 1pm when they host LaSalle