Delaware’s men’s basketball team had waited a long time just get one more chance to play.

But the Blue Hens competed like they wanted to extend their season.

In the end, though, that wasn’t enough as No. 4 Hofstra pulled away in the closing minutes to post an 83-75 victory over fifth-seeded Delaware in the CAA Tournament at James Madison on Sunday afternoon.

The Hens, who finish their season at 7-8, were playing their first game since Jan. 31 due to various COVID-19 issues.

“Credit Hofstra, they’re a really talented team and won a tough, physical game,” said Delaware coach Martin Ingelsby. “I thought it was a heck of a college basketball game with two good teams going at it.

“Our guys were ready to compete; I’m proud to be their coach and am disappointed for them that they don’t get to play together again this season.”

In a battle that included 13 ties and 20 lead changes — including 17 in the first half alone — Delaware led by as much as 43-36 after tallying the first five points of the second half.

But with the game tied 61-61 with 7:50 remaining, Hofstra (13-9) used an 11-2 spurt to take control and go up nine with 4:41 to play. The Hens closed within six point four times late but would not get closer.

“We got into a rut offensively during the last 10 minutes and needed to be a little more effective around the basket,” said Ingelsby. “We had a couple of defensive lapses in the second half; Jalen Ray is a heck of a player and he took advantage.”

Ray finished with 34 points, which is tied for fifth most all-time in a CAA Tournament game. Hofstra defeated the Hens in the CAA Tournament for the third straight year.

Senior guard Kevin Anderson scored a season-high 22 points for Delaware, going 5-of-7 from three-point range while adding five assists and three steals. Dylan Painter added 15 points and nine rebounds, while fellow senior Ryan Allen also scored 15 points.

Sophomore Johnny McCoy was the fourth Blue Hen in double figures with 11 points.

“I played pretty well, but it doesn’t matter since we didn’t get the win,” said Anderson. “We had some miscommunication on defense which allowed them to get too many open shots. We also didn’t get to the basket enough and settled for jumpers.”

Neither team led by more than four points during a tight first half, while a foul line jumper by Andrew Carr with 30 seconds left gave the Hens a 38-36 lead at the half

Baseball

Hens open with sweep: Delaware took two from La Salle, 7-4 and 14-4, in its season openers on Sunday.

The Blue Hens finished with 26 hits in the two games. Leadoff hitter Jordan Hutchins (Dover) went 5-for-9 with four runs and a pair of RBI in the two contests.

Hornets drop two to UMBC: UMBC downed Delaware State, 18-2 and 14-6, in a doubleheader on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep of the Hornets (0-4).

The Retrievers finished with only a 19-13 edge in the twinbill but UMBC (4-0) took advantage of 22 walks and five errors by DSU.

Softball

Blue Hens take two: Delaware swept its season openers, beating UMass 18-0 and Saint Joseph’s 5-2 on Sunday at the Delaware Softball Diamond.

After 364 days since their last game, and 673 since their last home game, the Blue Hens improved to 2-0.

Junior Brittney Mendoza capped off a nine-run inning against UMass with a two-run homer. Delaware tacked on seven more runs in the fourth, highlighted by a three-run inside-the-park home run from freshman Lexi Moore (Smyrna).

Retrievers sweep DelState: UMBC pitchers combined to hold Delaware State to three runs and six hits in 6-0, 11-3 sweep of the Hornets.

In the opener, UMBC’s Courtney Coppersmith tossed a one-hit shut-out, striking out 15 of the 24 batters she faced.

Delaware State (2-4) had five hits in the second game. Jaelyn Baker had two of the Hornets’ six hits on the day.

Volleyball

Towson 3, Delaware 0: The Blue Hens fell in straight sets (23-25, 18-25, 20-25) in the finale of a two-match, home-and-home series.

Junior Michaela Putnicki returned to the lineup and led Delaware (1-4) with nine kills and 11 digs while sophomore Lauryn Richardson and freshman Lily Rogers each added eight putaways. Rogers added 16 assists.