NEWARK, Del. – Coleman Stucke had a career-high 34 points and the Northeastern men's basketball team (8-13, 4-6) overcame a nine-point second half deficit to tie the game with 4:43 to play, but Delaware (12-11, 4-6) would hit four of its final five shots to hold on against the Huskies on Saturday afternoon at the Bob Carpenter Center, 81-78.
 
In a game that saw a combined 47 fouls called, Stucke couldn't be stopped all night, going on a 9-0 run himself to level the game at 68 to set up the wild finish. Gianma Arletti and Jameer Nelson Jr., though, would combine for nine of Delaware's final 12 points to give UD a three-point lead before a Jahmyl Telfort three-point attempt at the buzzer went begging.
 
Stucke's performance was the most points for a Husky since Tyson Walker's 36 at Towson on Feb. 13, 2021. He finished the day 12-of-19 from the field and 6-of-13 from three and 4-of-5 from the stripe. His six threes were also the most for a Husky since 2021, leading three Huskies in double figures. Telfort had 15 points and team-high five assists, while Masai Troutman added 12 off the bench along with four rebounds and two steals.
 
Northeastern finished the game 45% overall (27-of-60) and 42% from three (11-of-26) while going 13-of-22 at the line. Delaware, meanwhile, was 48% from the field (26-of-54) and knocked down 22-of-31 free throws. Nelson Jr. led four Blue Hens in double figures with 21 points and four assists while Arlette added 18 and seven rebounds.
 
• It was a back and forth start to the contest with neither team leading by more than five points over the first 13 minutes before Delaware used a 14-0 run to go up by 10 with 4:12 until the break, 37-27.
 
• The Huskies, which shot 40% in the opening 20 minutes and 42% from deep, closed the half strong to trim the deficit to six at recess, 42-36. Telfort (nine points) and Stucke (eight points) led the way for Northeastern, while Ray had 12 points for a Blue Hens team was shot 52% (14-of-27) from the floor.
 
• Northeastern remained within striking distance throughout the second half despite an 8-0 Delaware run in a 72-second span to make it 64-55 with 9:37 to go.
 
• The Huskies wouldn't go away, however, as Stucke continued to have a day. His 9-0 individual run over less than three minutes knotted the game at 68 to set the table for an exciting stretch run.
 
The Huskies will return home on Saturday when Northeastern plays host to Elon at 2 p.m. from Matthews Arena. Tickets are available at NUHuskies.com/tickets and the game will be televised on NESN and FloHoops.