LYNDONVILLE, Vt. (January 7, 2020) – The SUNY Delhi men's basketball team completed a sweep of their Northern Vermont University tour on Tuesday with a high-scoring 108-92 victory at Lyndon. On an afternoon where both the Broncos and Hornets shot over 50.0 percent, Delhi won out handily thanks to impressive play down low and outrebounding their opponents. The Broncos picked up their third straight win and improved to 10-6.
Delhi's shooting figures included making 51.8 percent from the field (43-for-83), 5-of-17 from 3-point range, and 17-of-26 on free throws. Though Lyndon performed better at 52.3 percent (34-of-65) and making 15-of-34 threes, the Broncos held a commanding 51-33 lead in rebounds, highlighted by Payton Dean and Mavenson Therneus posting double-doubles. Dean made 15 points with 14 rebounds, while Therneus registered 11 points with 11 boards. This display beneath the rim also translated to 18 Delhi offensive rebounds that led to a 26-8 lead in second chance points, and a 68-36 advantage in points in the paint. The Broncos posted their second straight contest shooting over 50.0 percent after notching a season-high 57.1 percent in yesterday's 85-61 victory at NVU Johnson.
Six Broncos finished in double digits Tuesday to tally Delhi's third 100-point game of the season. Jordan Fragale led the team with 26 points and six assists. Justin Daoud registered 18 points with five rebounds, while Glenn Butler posted 13 points with six rebounds and six assists. Carlos Ithier tallied 12 points with four assists. Jared Beach added six points and four rebounds, along with Erhunosere Uwuigbe making three points with three rebounds and Jacob Beach and Bababukunmi Babalola each netting two points.
Both sides battled to an electrifying back-and-forth first half. The Hornets led, 36-33, before the Broncos made a break, outscoring Lyndon, 23-12, in the final six minutes of the half for a 56-48 lead entering the locker room. Though the home team made a strong run to draw to within one to start the second half, Delhi stood firm, eventually building its lead to as much as 22 points for plenty of distance.
Daoud, who recorded his 1,000th career point in Monday's victory at NVU Johnson, now has 1,018 career points. Seniors Dean, Fragale, and William Knight are each closing in on the 1K milestone, as well. Dean now has 966 career points, while Fragale's numbers puts him at 931 points and Knight 958 points.
The Broncos have won three straight games following a three-game skid upon their return from winter break. After defeats to RPI, Utica, and Hartwick, Delhi rebounded with wins over SUNY Canton, Northern Vermont Johnson, and Northern Vermont Lyndon. Interestingly enough, all three victories came against future conference rivals, as SUNY Delhi men's basketball will join the Roos, Badgers, and Hornets in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) next season.
With nine games left in the regular season, head coach Zack Thomsen's team has sights set on a second consecutive American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) championship and their first-ever USCAA National Tournament appearance. The Broncos open a three-game home stand this Thursday, taking on Morrisville State at 3:00 p.m. They then host Maine Fort Kent on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and Pine Manor Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 5:00 p.m.