Usher, Saddler lead Delaware past Hofstra 81-77

Feb 19, 2015, 10:03 pm

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Davon Usher scored 27 points and Devon Saddler added 24 and seven assists as Delaware overcame a nine-point second-half deficit to beat Hofstra 81-77 Wednesday night.

Delaware (20-8, 12-1 Colonial Athletic Association) secured its seventh 20-win season in school history and its first since the 2000-2001 campaign.

Jordan Allen's layup with 17:38 to play gave Hofstra (8-20, 4-9) a 47-37 advantage before a 10-3 spurt by Delaware made it a one-point game about 3 minutes later.

The Pride held onto the lead until Saddler made 1 of 2 free throws with 7:15 remaining to make it 66-65, Delaware.

The next few minutes featured four lead changes and three ties before a Saddler layup gave the Blue Hens the lead, 75-73, for good with 2:26 left.

Hofstra went 2 of 8 from that point forward.

Zeke Upshaw scored 28 and Dion Nesmith added 22 for the Pride.