ALFRED, N.Y. (November 22, 2019) – The SUNY Delhi men's basketball team played a tale of two halves that spelled a Friday-night defeat at Alfred University. After leading by as much as 13 points in the first half for a 36-29 halftime lead, the Broncos cooled off in the second as the Saxons moved out in front for a 71-62 decision. Head coach Zack Thomsen's team concludes their five-game road trip to start the season at 3-2. They face off against Centenary in their home opener Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
Delhi opened the game on a 13-2 run, taking as much as a 14-point lead at 29-15 with 6:44 to play in the half. Alfred was able to cut that deficit in half before the break. Though the Broncos began the second half strong, leading 45-36, the Saxons began their rally with an 11-2 run to tie things up at 47-47 with 11:22 to go in the game. Delhi briefly regained the lead with a William Knight layup at 49-47, but AU snagged eight of the next ten points to lead, 57-51. Delhi would get no closer than six points of Alfred the rest of the game.
Justin Daoud earned his first double-double of the year with ten points and 14 rebounds. Norman Wilson led the Broncos with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including two 3-pointers. Carlos Ithier made 5-of-7 triples on his way to 15 points, as Knight tallied seven points. The Broncos shot 35.8 percent (24-for-67), making 8-of-29 3-pointers, while their hosts made 45.8 percent (27-for-59) and 6-of-14, respectively. Delhi led, 43-32, in rebounds, pulling down 20 offensive boards for 20 second-chance points. Alfred held a 36-24 advantage in points in the paint.
Home fans can catch a lot of the Broncos in the coming weeks. Delhi begins its home season Saturday facing Centenary at 4:00 p.m., then welcome Castleton to Floyd L. Maines Arena on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. After a local matchup down the road at SUNY Cobleskill Monday, Dec. 2 at 7:00 p.m., the Broncos are back for three more home contests: Bard Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m., Sage Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:00 p.m., then Houghton Saturday, Dec. 7 at 3:00 p.m. before dispersing for winter break.
