Game Story; Delaware 63, JMU 61

Saturday, January 31

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James Madison University

4-14, 1-9CAA

Delaware

12-7, 6-4CAA

U. of Delaware

James Madison

1/31/2004 1:34:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

HARRISONBURG, Va. (1/31/2004) – Herb Courtney's layup rolled in at the buzzer, lifting Delaware to the 63-61 win. Courtney's game-high ninth rebound followed a missed shot by Mike Slattery from the left side of the lane. In one motion, Courtney tossed the carom back toward the goal from the left side.

JMU's Daniel Freeman had tied the game for the 12th time 17 seconds earlier with two free throws. Freeman drove the lane after an offensive rebound. His two free throws came on the Dukes' fifth chance to tie or take the lead after they were down 61-59 at the 2:02 mark.

Freeman missed two free throws with 1:51 left; JMU rebounded but turned the ball over with 1:22 left. JMU then blocked two Delaware shots. Chris Cathlin turned a shot by Courtney back to the shooter's hands, and Ray Barbosa deflected a shot by Mike Ames. Delaware's Robin Wentt rebounded but missed on a quick, off-balanced attempt, and Freeman gained possession for the Dukes with 47 seconds left.

Courtney was the only Blue Hen to reach double figures in scoring, finishing with 13 points in 22 minutes, more than twice his average of 9.8 minutes per game. His time was increased due to the absence of Harding Nana, who was out for a second straight game with a separated shoulder. Courtney had his first six points as part of an 11-3 Delaware run that erased the largest lead enjoyed by either team, an 11-5 JMU advantage less than five minutes into the game.

JMU led for much of the first half, but the Blue Hens grabbed the lead, 41-39, just before intermission. JMU had held the upper hand since taking a 24-23 lead on a Barbosa layup.

The Dukes scored the first five points of the second half and led until 10 minutes remained. JMU had just two field goals after the Blue Hens had reclaimed the lead with 9:53 to go.

JMU's Dwayne Broyles led all scorers with 17 points. Freeman, Chris Williams and Barbosa each had nine points for the Dukes.