Nov. 26, 2001
NORFOLK, VA-The Old Dominion University men's basketball team defeated Delaware State this evening, 72-61. The Monarchs improve to 3-1 on the season while Delaware State falls to 2-2 overall.
The Monarchs seemed to be in control early on, taking a fourteen point lead on the strong play of guards Pierre Greene (Chicago, IL) and Kiah Thomas (Norfolk, VA). The Hornets responded with a 12 point run of their own to close out the half, however, and the Monarchs went into the locker room leading 29-27.
Delaware State continued to press in the second half, briefly taking a one point lead on a Andre Matthews layup at the 18:11 mark. Old Dominion quickly reclaimed the lead seconds later on a Rasheed Wright (Greensboro, NC) layup, and it was all Monarchs from that point. Unable to compete with the inside presence of ODU, Delaware State finally succumbed in the final minutes of the game.
Three Monarchs recorded a double-digit scoring night. Wright led ODU with 18 points and 10 rebounds while guard Pierre Greene chipped in 16. Ricardo Marsh (Mebane, NC) tallied 17 points, three rebounds and three assists in the winning effort.
Delaware State was led by James Bowen, who scored a game-high 19 points. Forward Andre Matthews scored 16.
Old Dominion shot .563 from the floor and outrebounded the opposition 29-22. The Monarchs were also accurate from the outside, hitting .438 from beyond the arc.
Old Dominion will return to action this Saturday when they host the University of Illinois-Chicago at 7:35 p.m.