The nationally-ranked University of Delaware women’s basketball team opened its season with an easy win Friday night.
Despite playing without preseason all-American Elena Delle Donne, the Blue Hens, ranked 11th in the AP poll and 10th in the ESPN/USA Today coaches' rankings, trounced Sam Houston State 63-31 in the Women’s Preseason NIT at the Bob.
With Delle Donne sitting out as she deals with symptoms of Lyme Disease, Trumae Lucas led the Hens with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Jacquetta May added 13 points and 11 rebounds. Defensively, Delaware held Sam Houston State under 22 percent shooting from the field and forced 21 turnovers.
Delaware has won 15 in a row at home. They host Georgetown in the Preseason Women’s N-I-T quarterfinals Sunday at 2. Georgetown topped Sacred Heart 90-63 Friday night.
Delle Donne, who led the nation in scoring last season with just over 28 points per game, is listed as day-to-day. It’s not the first time she's dealt with symptoms of Lyme Disease. Delle Donne missed 12 games during the 2010-2011 season for the same reason.
