NEWARK, DE -- University of Delaware senior forward Harding Nana (right) posted game-highs of 28 points and 11 rebounds to record his fifth double-double of the season and lead the Blue Hen men’s basketball team to a 79-73 win over Central Connecticut Thursday night at the Bob Carpenter Center.

Herb Courtney added 13 points while Andrew Washington chipped in 12 points, five assists and three steals as Delaware won its second straight following a six-game losing streak to improve to 4-6 on the year. Calvin Cannon was the fourth Blue Hen in double figures with 11 points, while Zaire Taylor added nine points and four assists.

Tristan Blackwood led the Blue Devils, who fell to 5-5 on the season, with 19 points, four assists and three steals, while Obie Nwadike added 14 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Javier Mojica chipped in 13 points, three assists and four steals, while Lenny Jefferson was the fourth Blue Devil in double figures with 10 points.

Central Connecticut led 38-32 at the half but the Blue Hens opened the second period on a 21-6 run, as a three-point play by Nana gave Delaware a 53-44 advantage with 13:56 remaining. However the Blue Devils answered with seven consecutive points, and eventually got within one as a jumper by Nwadike made it 61-60 with 8:38 to play.

A three-pointer by Justin Chiera again brought Central Connecticut within one at 70-69 with 1:38 remaining, but Nana hit a jumper and Courtney converted a three-point play to put Delaware up 75-69 with 1:14 left. Chiera hit two free throws to make it a four-point game with 57 seconds on the clock, but Courtney and Washington each hit a pair of free throws late to seal the victory.

The first half remained close early until a 9-2 Blue Devil run put Central Connecticut up 22-16 with 9:41 remaining. Delaware closed to within 33-32 when Nana made a foul shot at the 2:25 mark, but Jefferson nailed a three-pointer and Blackwood scored at the buzzer to send the Blue Devils to the half up six.

Delaware remains home Saturday when the Blue Hens host Loyola (MD) at 1 p.m. at the Bob Carpenter Center.

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