Delle Donne scores 22 in debut
Share This Story
DOVER, Del. (AP)
Elena Delle Donne scored 22 points in her first game of the season to lead Delaware to a 64-46 win over Providence on Tuesday night.
The preseason All-American had missed the first three games while dealing with symptoms of Lyme Disease.
''I felt OK. My endurance isn't there, but it's something I can't push, either,'' Delle Donne said. ''I'm just working to get back. I don't want to push it too hard and send myself back to the bed.''
Without their star, who averaged a nation-leading 28.1 points to go with 10.3 rebounds last season, the Blue Hens (2-2) fell out of the Top 25 on Monday. Delaware had been ranked every week since joining the poll for the first time in school history last November.
''It's great to have Elena back in the lineup,'' Delaware coach Tina Martin said. ''Things run just a little bit more smoothly with her in there. I was pleased with how we played and it was great to get the win.''
Delle Donne got going quickly, scoring 15 points in the first half as the Blue Hens built a 41-25 lead at the break. She missed her first three shots, but finished the game 9 for 20 from the field. She also had eight rebounds in 27 minutes. It was the 73rd time in her 85-game career she's scored more than 20 in a game.
She initially contracted the disease in 2008 and then suffered again through its effects two years ago. She was fine last season while leading Delaware to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
''The bottom line is her disease is very unpredictable,'' Martin said. ''We've got to hope that she can take care of her body and that she doesn't have any lapses and that she can play games this year and not miss games.
''It's a tricky thing. I thought preseason we managed it pretty well. She wasn't practicing all the time. It was very similar to last year; obviously she made it through all of last year. Again, this disease is so unpredictable with her that it makes it tough.''
Delle Donne will have time to rest with the team on a break until Nov. 28 when the Blue Hens host St. Bonaventure.
''It was really hard (watching from the bench). I knew I couldn't be out there, but I wanted to be really badly. I felt the team was lacking a leader a little bit. Just coming back and maybe not even being full force but being a leader to them. I think it gives them confidence and helps them play a little better.''
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Phenoms' God complex is our fault
It's scary how we openly worship kids like Wiggins and set them up for failure. -
Victims: Pic of Lillard led to attack
Two brothers allege that people standing near Portland Trail Blazers point guard Dami... -
Megatron broke record with injuries
Calvin Johnson is downplaying whatever was wrong with his fingers last year. -
Guns, cash stolen from Ray Rice
Police say the Maryland home of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was burglarize... -
Report: Bobcats changing to Hornets
A person familiar with the situation says Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan is c...
FOX SPORTS Videos
Race Preview: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Posted: May 21, 2013
Can anyone catch Jimmie Johnson? We'll have a better idea after 600 grueling mi...
Can anyone catch Jimmie Johnson? We'll have a better idea after 600 grueling mi...
Highlights: DET/CHI - Game 3
Posted: May 21, 2013
Check out highlights from Detroit's 3-1 Game 3 win against the Blackhawks.
Check out highlights from Detroit's 3-1 Game 3 win against the Blackhawks.
Triple Play: Miguel Cabrera, Giants, and Rays
Posted: May 20, 2013
Jon Paul Morosi on Miguel Cabrera's hot hitting, the Giants pitching struggles, ...
Jon Paul Morosi on Miguel Cabrera's hot hitting, the Giants pitching struggles, ...
WCBK Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zephyr Florida Gators Orange Fitted Hat | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Florida_Gators/browse/featuredproduct/1104/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1000/DS_1104_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Zephyr Florida Gators Orange Fitted Hat |
| Zephyr Florida Gators White DH Fitted Hat | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Florida_Gators/browse/featuredproduct/21914/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_21000/DS_21914_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Zephyr Florida Gators White DH Fitted Hat |
| Zephyr Florida Gators Royal Blue DH Fitted Hat | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Florida_Gators/browse/featuredproduct/50646/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_50000/DS_50646_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Zephyr Florida Gators Royal Blue DH Fitted Hat |
| Ohio State Buckeyes Scrub Top - Gray | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Ohio_State_Buckeyes/browse/featuredproduct/60808/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_60000/FF_60808_xl.jpg&w=100 | 24.95 | Ohio State Buckeyes Scrub Top - Gray |
| Nike Texas Longhorns #7 Burnt Orange Replica Football Jersey | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Texas_Longhorns/browse/featuredproduct/62039/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_62000/FF_62039_xl.jpg&w=100 | 59.95 | Nike Texas Longhorns #7 Burnt Orange Replica Football Jersey |
| Ohio State Buckeyes Scarlet Scrub Top --- | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Ohio_State_Buckeyes/browse/featuredproduct/67086/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_67000/FF_67086_xl.jpg&w=100 | 24.95 | Ohio State Buckeyes Scarlet Scrub Top --- |
| Michigan Wolverines Ash Vertical Arch Logo T-shirt | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Michigan_Wolverines/browse/featuredproduct/70367/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_70000/DS_70367_xl.jpg&w=100 | 12.95 | Michigan Wolverines Ash Vertical Arch Logo T-shirt |
| Florida State Seminoles Ash Vertical Arch Logo T-shirt | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Florida_State_Seminoles/browse/featuredproduct/70625/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_70000/DS_70625_xl.jpg&w=100 | 12.95 | Florida State Seminoles Ash Vertical Arch Logo T-shirt |
| Texas Longhorns Ash Vertical Arch Logo T-shirt | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Texas_Longhorns/browse/featuredproduct/70626/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_70000/DS_70626_xl.jpg&w=100 | 12.95 | Texas Longhorns Ash Vertical Arch Logo T-shirt |
| Kentucky Wildcats Ash Vertical Arch Logo T-shirt | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Kentucky_Wildcats/browse/featuredproduct/70627/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_70000/DS_70627_xl.jpg&w=100 | 12.95 | Kentucky Wildcats Ash Vertical Arch Logo T-shirt |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "Post comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be Polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.