NEWARK, DEL. (Mar. 1) ? Delaware cashed in on 27-of-40 free throws to post a 62-51 win over Georgia State in a Colonial Athletic Association game Sunday afternoon at the Bob Carpenter Center.
The Panthers had closed to two points at 36-34 with 11:35, were down just 49-45 with 3:41 and hanging close at 55-49 with 2:02 left, but could never make the plays to overcome the deficits. State shot just 32 percent for the game, 21-for-64 and just 6-for-13 from the free throw line.
Georgia State (12-16, 4-13) was led by sophomore forward Chandra Harris with 14 points on 7-for-8 field goals, with Danyiell McKeller adding 10 more points and six rebounds. Shay Rawls had nine rebounds to lead the team.
Delaware (14-14, 6-11) evened the season series after losing in Atlanta earlier this season to state. The Blue Hends got 17 points from guard Corinthia Benson and 16 points from guard Tesia Harris, with Ariene Jenkins leading with 12 rebounds.
The game started with three early ties, the last at 11-11 with 15:37 when Georgia State was slowed by eight straight missed shots and two turnovers over six minutes as Delaware opened a 19-11 lead. The Blue Hens grew the margin to 12 at 4:15 before State closed to six at 27-21 with 1:23. But, a pair of late Delaware baskets gave them a 32-22 halftime lead.
“We had lots of good looks today, but just didn't get the ball in the basket when we really needed it,” said head coach Lea Henry. “We had breakdowns and got a little frustrated when the shots weren't falling. But, you have that with a young team.”
Georgia State returns to Atlanta for its final regular season home game on Wednesday evening vs. Virginia Commonwealth on Senior Night for the Panthers.
