Once Upon A Time In Las Vegas – Divisional Round
Delaware (11-9 SU, 10-9 ATS) faces rival Drexel (11-8 SU, 11-7 ATS) on Saturday at 2pmET in a CAA matchup from the DAC.
These teams are usually in the mix in the CAA standings. Delaware (3-4) has struggled lately, but they just got their best player-Jameer Nelson Jr.-back in the lineup. The Dragons are 5-2 and looking to establish consistency.
Senior guard Jameer Nelson Jr. scored 20 points to lead Delaware over William & Mary 80-53 on Thursday from Newark. Nelson was incredibly efficient with 9-of-14 shooting in 21 minutes as the hens shot a sizzling 56% from the field and 8-of-20 (40%) from long range. The Hens were only up 38-31 at the half and outscored the Tribe by 20 points in the second half. That was Nelson Jr's first game this season and first since Delaware beat Elon 57-52 at home. Nelson Jr. is averaging 19.7 points per game and 3.1 assists.
About last night ?? pic.twitter.com/LcwPncW5Ve
— Delaware Men's Basketball (@DelawareMBB) January 20, 2023
Without him, the Blue Hens went 1-3, falling at Northeastern by one, at Hofstra by 24 and at Charleston by 11. Delaware is ranked 197 by KenPom and 184th in offensive efficiency. In overall stats, Delaware ranks T8 in the CAA in scoring defense at 69.7 points per game and fourth in points per game at 69.80. They also rank second in field goal percentage at 44.5% and ninth in field goal defense (44.2%). Their biggest struggle comes against the three-point shot, where they rank 11th (36.5%) and they rank 11th in three-point shooting (31.9%). They also struggle on the boards (-3.45 margin), but they are solid in taking care of the ball as they rank fourth in turnover margin (+1.60).