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There’s a reason why Elena Delle Donne is a former Naismith National High School Player of the Year and was coveted by every major women’s basketball team.
On Tuesday night, the former University of Connecticut recruit and now Delaware star, buried a 10-footer from the left wing with 1.1 seconds to go and failed the University of Maine women’s basketball team’s hopes of a second consecutive home win.
Heading into the game, the six-foot-five-inch Delle Donne was a focal point for coach Cindy Blodgett and that answer came in the form of team defense. Blodgett emphasized communication and help on defense, as well as a focus on locking down all of the other Delaware players besides Della Donne in an effort to slow the Blue Hens attack.
The matchup with Della Donne fell primarily on the shoulders of sophomore forward Samantha Wheeler, who despite giving up significant size to her opponent, never shied away from being physical and played fantastic defense on the Delaware post player all night before fouling out late in the second half.
Coach Blodgett commended Wheeler’s effort, saying, “Samantha is one of our hardest workers, and what you saw out there, what you see in games, is how she is in practice everyday.”
Samantha Baranowski also did an admirable job on Della Donne coming off the bench.
The first half proved to be a back and forth slugfest that showcased physical defense. The teams traded baskets throughout the period, with neither team able to establish a scoring run. Freshman guard Katelyn Vanderhoff hit a tough shot between two defenders at the buzzer to send the teams into the half knotted up at 26-26.
The pace didn’t change in the second half, as the teams battled especially hard on the boards and matched up well on defense. UMaine capitalized on second chances, scoring several times on putbacks. The Black Bears would finish with 18 second-chance points. The defensive intensity remained high for both teams throughout the half, and the game was ultimately decided by a miraculous last shot.
When a shot clock violation against UMaine gave the Blue Hens the ball back with just over 11 seconds to play in the game, it was clear they were going to try and get the ball to Delle Donne for one last shot.
Delaware sprinted the ball past half court and called timeout. On the ensuing sideline-out-of-bounds play, the ball found its way, unsurprisingly, into the hands of Delle Donne. Looking to go to the hoop, she dribbled the ball to the top of the key, but was well defended by senior guard Kristin Baker. Delle Donne then drove left, turning the corner into traffic and putting up a mid-range jumper over Baker’s head. Her shot found the bottom of the net with 1.1 seconds showing on the clock.
Vanderhoff’s desperation heave was no good, and the Blue Hens escaped Alfond Arena with a 52-50 win.
Delle Donne finished the night with 26 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.
There was no question in anyone’s mind, however, which of those 26 points was the biggest.
When asked about the climactic last play, Delaware coach Tina Martin described it as a player utilizing her advantages.
“I thought Maine defended it very well, it’s just, Elena’s six-five, she’s going to shoot over people,” she said.
Blodgett referred to it as simply, “a great player making a great play.”
Though UMaine played inspired defense throughout the night, the game was defined by missed opportunities on offense. The Black Bears were unable to convert on a number of open shots throughout the night.
“We don’t have a 25-point scorer, so when we get open looks, we’ve got to knock them down,” Blodgett said.
Three-point shooting is also becoming a liability as of late for UMaine. The Black Bears finished the game shooting 1-for-18 from beyond the arc and are now shooting under 20 percent on the season from long range.
Senior forward Katia Bratishko, who poured in a career-high 14 points and added four rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench, led the Black Bears on the night. Senior guard Amanda Tewksbury turned in a solid performance, tallying a double-double — scoring 13 points and collecting 12 boards. Kristin Baker led the team in distribution, tallying nine assists.
The Black Bears have had a flair for the dramatic in their home campaigns this season, with all of their matches at Alfond Arena being decided by five points or less.
With the loss, UMaine falls to 2-5 on the season, while Delaware improves to 4-3. The Black Bears will look to get back on the winning track and earn their first road win of the season Dec. 12 at noon when they travel to face Quinnipiac.
Bangor Daily News