NEWARK, Del. – Trumae Lucas scored 14 points as No. 11 Delaware relied on defense to defeat Sam Houston State 63-31 Friday night in the season opener for both teams.
With the Blue Hens' offense struggling — in part due to the absence of All-American Elena Delle Donne — the defense took over in the opening round of the preseason WNIT.
Delaware held the Bearkats to just 11 total field goals and 21.6 percent shooting from the field (11 of 51) and forced 21 turnovers.
The 31 points were the least allowed by the Blue Hens since defeating Towson 66-28 on Feb. 7, 2002.
Jaquetta May had her first career double-double with 13 points and a career-high 11 rebounds.
Britni Martin led the Bearkats with 16 points.
Delle Donne, a national Player of the Year candidate, is battling the effects of Lyme Disease and her availability is listed as day-to-day.
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