The Delaware 87ers went into Chicago Saturday night and beat the Windy City Bulls 121-117. The Sevens have now won three games in a row and back to back victories on the road. This is the same team that could not buy a win on the road earlier in the season but now has won their last 5 out 6 games on the road.
It all started in the first quarter where both teams came to play and were trading baskets and the lead. There were five lead changes in the first four minutes of this game. Then around the 8:00 minute mark the Sevens went on a quick 12-7 run that put them up 19-13. Dionte Christmas led the Sevens with 5 points and a defensive rebound in the quick 12-7 run. After the run the Sevens would maintain the lead the rest of the quarter and ending the first quarter with a 34-26 lead.
The Sevens would not let the momentum of the first quarter go and went on a 12-5 run right of the gate of the second quarter. Sevens David Laury III had 5 points and 1 assist during that early run of the second quarter.
Around the 7:55 mark in the second, the Sevens would take their biggest lead in the game which was by 16 points. Thanks to Sevens first round draft pick Brannen Greene’s three pointer.
The Bulls were not going to go away quietly and around the 7:29 mark went on a 9-0 run to make the score 49-42. The Sevens never let go of the lead the rest of the quarter even though the Bulls made a couple runs at the lead. The Sevens led 65-58 at the end of the second quarter.
David Laury III led the Sevens in points for the first half with 15.
Thomas Walkup led the Bulls in points for the first half with 13.
The Sevens held the edge on the Bulls in many categories in the first half including rebounds which the 87ers out rebounded the Bulls 25-14. The Sevens were also better with second chance points in the first half going 4 for 5 ( 10 points) and the Bulls went 2 for 3 ( 4 points). The Delaware 87ers killed the Windy City Bulls on the fast break in the first half going 7 for 7 ( 2o points) and the Bulls went 3 for 4 ( 11 points).
Coming out halftime the Windy City Bulls came out on fire and went on a quick 8-0 run they gave them a 66-65 lead with 8:37 left in the third. Bulls Aaron Thomas led the Bulls with 6 points and a defensive rebound in the 8-0 run.
The Sevens responded right back and outscored the Bulls 18-5 in the middle of the third quarter. The Sevens would maintain the lead and end the quarter with a 91-79 lead.
Starting the fourth the Sevens came out right away and went on a 9-2 run that put them up 99-82. Brandon Triche led the Sevens with 6 points on two nice three point shots during the early 9-2 run.
Those pesky Bulls came back strong in the late fourth quarter and managed to cut the lead to three but the Sevens hung on to win 121-117.
Dionte Christmas led the Sevens with 3o points for the game.
Five other Sevens hit double digits in points against the Bulls and they were Devondrick Walker ( 10), Shawn Long ( 11), Anthony “Cat” Barber ( 25), David Laury III (21) and Brandon Triche (10).
The Delaware 87ers ( 8-6) come back home to the Bob Carpenter Center on Friday December 23rd to take on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Tip off is at 7pm ET.
Player stats:
Stats:
FG%
Sevens: 55%
Bulls: 44%
3 Point %
Sevens: 50%
Bulls: 37%
Free Throw %
Sevens: 71%
Bulls: 76%
Rebounds
Sevens: 49
Bulls: 31
Assists:
Sevens:18
Bulls: 21
Turnovers
Sevens:26
Bulls: 10
Blocked Shots
Sevens:5
Bulls: 6