Jyare Davis had 18 points, Andrew Carr had 17 rebounds and 12 points for his second career double-double. Delaware was fifth after beating No. The Colonial Athletic Association tournament champion was won by UNC Wilmington, 2nd seed, 59-55.
Delaware (22-12), won its sixth conference title along with teams from 1992, 1993 (NAC), 1999 (America East), and 2014 (CAA). The Hens will seek their sixth NCAA Tournament win in six attempts.
Delaware took its first lead of 44 to 43 since 19-7, on a Kevin Anderson layup. There were 8:44 left in the second period.
Davis, the CAA rookie-of-the-year and tournament MVP, took a shot in the lanes with 1:01 remaining to give Delaware a 56-55% lead. UNCW had two attempts at the other end but neither failed and Carr received the rebound before being fouled. Carr was 1 of 2 at free throw line. Ebby Asamoah took the offensive rebound and made two free shots for a four point lead. Jaylen Sims missed a 3-pointer at buzzer.
Ryan Allen and Jameer Nelson Jr. each scored 10 points for Delaware. Delaware shot 39.3%, including 2 of 13 at distance. Davis finished 8 of 15 in the field.
Sims scored 18 on 4-of-15 shooting in UNC Wilmington (23-9), who won the regular-season series with Delaware. Mike Okauru scored 10 points.
Sims, UNCW’s top scorer, played only 10 minutes due to two fouls. However, the Seahawks led 34-30 at the end of the first half. Sims opened the second half scoring with a 3-pointer. He then scored six consecutive UNCW points. The last one was a jumper that gave UNCW a lead of 55-53 with just 2:30 remaining.
Delaware was the second-ranked No. In the 40-year history of the league, Delaware was the second No. 5 seed to reach the finals of the CAA tournament. Fifth-seeded William & Mary reached the 2008 final, but lost to George Mason, 68-60.
