Sorry about the song choice. Debated others like My Way or Send Me on My Way. Ultimately, the obvious won out.
Sickness made my attempts at write ups a bit erratic. Happy to be back at full strength, in time to finish out the year. I always write that if one person finds joy when reading the blog, then it is a huge success. I always think this year will be my last. I shall be 64 when next season starts. I hope to never again bet college basketball professionally. If this is it, I thank all who have read my words over the years.
Martin Inglesby, for the second straight game, started Colonial Freshman Of The Year, Jyare Davis. The move has paid huge dividends. Delaware’s defense has been terrific. They now bring ex Villanovan Dylan Painter off the bench. Not many mid majors can write those words. Despite being in foul trouble, Davis ended with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Painter played 23 minutes. He had an efficient 12 points and 5 rebounds. He seems to be healthy again. Delaware is better for it. The Hens jumped all over Towson running out to a 16-point lead. They led by 8 at the half. Towson pulled within 2 twice in the 2nd half but back-to-back threes by Kevin Anderson and Ebby Asamoah allowed Delaware to finally put the one seed away. They have been most impressive.
UNCW continues to win the close games. In a wild back and forth affair, Wilmington led by one but Charleston had the ball with eleven seconds to go. Eight seconds later the tenth charge of the game was called. Three seconds later, UNCW was in the finals. Great job by second year coach, Takayo Siddle.
Wilmington swept the season series from Delaware. They have also won all five CAA tournament games versus Delaware. (It is entirely irrelevant but sounds good for the write up.) At Delaware, Wilmington led most of the way. The final five minutes went back and forth. Ultimately Jaylen Sims made two foul shots with three seconds to go, to give UNCW their first of many close conference wins. The rematch came on senior night in Delaware. Wilmington used a 37-26 rebounding edge and some excellent defense to win rather comfortably.
Coach Siddle had no chance in last years messed up Covid season. He will likely have bigger job offers sooner rather than later. Inglesby has not run well in his five years at Delaware. Injuries and transfers have destroyed his attempt at building a program. This year, he has mostly avoided both. Delaware has a gem in Jyare Davis. He started both Delaware wins. Not only has the defense improved, but the offense has also flowed better. In the first Wilmington game, Inglesby talked of how their defensive pressure bothered them. “We took too many quick shots, which led to run outs the other way.” In the second loss, he said, “We’re dealing with some adversity . . ..”
It seems as if Delaware has ironed out all issues. The offense is flowing, the extra pass is always made. Their defense has been terrific. They even tied the excellent rebounding Towson team with 37 each. Siddle has done an amazing job. One would think that if it is close at the end, Wilmington will work their magic. However, it seems as if Delaware is peaking at the right time. It seems their ceiling is higher. All the years of frustration end for them tonight.
Delaware 66 UNCW 59
