2nd-half effort leads Delta boys’ basketball over Wabash

<p><strong>Paige Grider, DN File</strong></p>

Paige Grider, DN File

After a slow start, Delta boys' basketball (2-1, 0-0 Hoosier Heritage) outscored Wabash (1-2, 0-0 Three Rivers), 29-22, in the second half to secure a 62-51 victory. The Eagles have now recorded back-to-back double-digit victories to begin the season. Only five players saw the scoring column, but that was all Delta needed to win. 

The Apaches came out of the gate fast, scoring nine points to the Eagles' five to begin the game. Wabash led, 12-8, with 3:00 to go in the opening frame. Delta would then go on a 13-2 run to take the lead back by the end of the first quarter. The Eagles held on to a 33-28 advantage at the half. Despite leading at the break, the first half saw its ups and downs. 

“At times, we want to lunge and play for steals instead of deflections. Our team is built to play for deflections and not steals,” head coach Mark Detweiler said. “We have great quickness, and we went on a stretch for about three minutes in the first half where we were reckless.”

Senior guard Conner Bedwell was a big factor as to why Delta was able to pull away in the second half. Bedwell recorded 12 of his 19 points in the second half. Junior forward Brady Hunt followed suit with 18 points for the Eagles.

“We know that any given night any one of our players can go for 20,” Hunt said. “Things were clicking tonight for Connor and me.” 

Bedwell and Hunt were able to feed off of each other’s energy all night long. Delta was able to turn defense into offense in the second half, forcing the Apaches to play catch up and take deep shots. That allowed the Eagles to extend their lead to seven by the end of the third quarter. 

“We started getting third- and fourth-side attacks in the second half,” Bedwell said. “Going from the sixth man last year and now being the first and second option has been a surprise for teams.”

Wabash would get as close as two points in the second half, but Delta had an answer for Wabash. Finding open looks came easier for the Eagles as time went on, allowing two players to find double figures. 

“When our possessions get longer, and [Connor] gets the ball on the third side, he gets downhill and finishes,” Detweiler said. “If we can play with that sort of poise and execution, he will get that.” 

This win continues Delta’s unbeaten streak at home. The last time the Eagles lost on their home court was Jan. 13, 2018, to Wapahani. That is the only game Detweiler has lost at home since he took over in 2017. 

“We have good players. This is a tough place to play,” Detweiler said. “We want to turn it into a place where teams don’t want to come here. Our guys guard. That is what makes us hard to beat at home.” 

Delta will have a week off before playing its third game of a four-game homestand. Next Friday, the Eagles will face Hoosier Heritage conference opponent Yorktown. 

Contact Grant Covey with comments at gacovey@bsu.edu or on Twitter @grant_covey

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