Delaware Blue Hens can’t handle Hofstra in CAA basketball loss

Delaware couldn’t hold an early-second-half lead, then had its own rally fall short in an 82-77 loss to Hofstra in Colonial Athletic Association men’s basketball Saturday at the Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead, New York.

Up four at halftime, Delaware extended its lead to 42-33 after Dylan Painter’s layup with 17:47 left before Hofstra got.

BOX SCORE: Delaware at Hofstra

The Pride regained the lead 45-42 on Omar Silverio’s 3-pointer with 13:23 to go, part of a 25-2 run that put Hofstra in charge 58-44.

Delaware whittled away and got within 68-67 on Painter’s two foul shots with 4:03 remaining. But Hofstra, keyed by 13-for-14 free-throw aim in the second half, held on for the win.

Hofstra shot 50 percent overall from the field, including 17-for-29 in the second half.

“Told our guys afterward, every possession matters in a college basketball game,” Delaware coach Martin Ingelsby told Blue Hens Radio after the game.

“We’ve gotta be able to play for 40 minutes. We’ve been able to establish some leads and that’s where this group has gotta be tougher, grittier, not get content with playing with a lead. They got confident. They were able to get back in the game quickly.”