Elena Delle Donne held to season-low 15 points but Delaware still tops Towson

January 19, 2012

TOWSON, Md. -- Lauren Carra and Elena Delle Donne, the top scorer in NCAA Division I, each had 15 points as No. 16 Delaware stretched its winning streak to five with a 65-46 victory over Towson in a Colonial Athletic Association game Thursday.

Delle Donne, a 6-foot-5 junior, entered the game averaging 29.3 points, but the 15 points were a season low. She struggled from the field throughout, making only four of 11 shots as Towson (11-6, 2-4) constantly double-teamed her.

Delle Donne didn't hit a field goal until 17:46 remained in the game. She made seven free throws in the first half and had eight points in the second -- all of which came in a stretch of less than 6 minutes. Delle Donne didn't score for the final 11:29.

But Delle Donne still nearly got a double-double. She finished with eight rebounds and added three steals and two blocks in 30 minutes.

Delle Donne played only 22 minutes in Delaware's last game, a 70-54 victory over Northeastern on Jan. 15, coming off the bench because of a leg injury. That's the only game she hasn't started this season.

Carra's 15 points tied a season high for the junior guard, who also added six rebounds and four assists.

Delle Donne's struggles didn't bother the Blue Hens (15-1, 6-0). Their passing helped find numerous open shots as Delaware had 13 assists on 13 first-half baskets en route to a 39-18 lead at the break.

Tanisha McTiller led Towson with 13 points. The Tigers shot just 27 percent in the first half and never led in the game.