BLUE COATS DOMINATE IN SEASON OPENER, DEFEAT WINDY CITY 116-97

December 28, 2024

Jeff Dowtin Jr. shines with 34 points as Delaware carries momentum from early-season success.

Wilmington, DE — December 27, 2024 The Delaware Blue Coats (1-0) opened their 2024-25 NBA G League regular season in emphatic fashion, defeating the Windy City Bulls (0-1) by a score of 116-97 at Chase Fieldhouse. Just weeks removed from their electrifying victory over Raptors 905, the Blue Coats showcased the same offensive firepower and resilience that has made them a perennial contender.

Jeff Dowtin Jr., who has been a consistent force, dropped 34 points on an impressive 14-of-20 shooting, leading Delaware’s balanced attack. Dowtin’s late-game heroics and a key third-quarter surge proved decisive, propelling the Coats past a Bulls team that briefly rallied in the second quarter.

“We’re building something here, day by day,” said head coach Mike Longabardi. “The goal is to keep stacking good habits. Right now, we’ve got rhythm and momentum, and we’re focused on doing the little things right.”

This performance builds on Delaware’s statement win over Raptors 905 on Dec. 13, a game where they put up a blistering 74 points by halftime en route to a 132-109 victory. Justin Edwards and Dowtin Jr. combined for 66 points and 12 three-pointers, with Edwards pouring in 34 points and Dowtin adding 32 along with seven assists. The Coats set a season-high with 21 made threes, showcasing their ability to strike from beyond the arc.

The Dec. 13 game also highlighted Delaware’s depth, with contributions from Judah Mintz (20 points), Pete Nance (10 points, 10 rebounds), and Aminu Mohammed, who notched a season-high 10 points. That depth was on display again in the Dec. 27 matchup, as Marcus Bagley stepped up with 20 points, including 16 in the second half, and Isaiah Mobley recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Against Windy City, Delaware’s quick start gave way to a scoring drought in the first quarter, allowing the Bulls to creep back into the game. After trailing by three at halftime, the Coats regained control in the third quarter, using a 17-8 run to seize momentum. Their fourth-quarter dominance, fueled by 52 percent shooting, sealed the victory.

The Blue Coats’ relentless defense also played a key role, holding the Bulls to 31.8 percent shooting in the opening quarter and forcing key turnovers down the stretch. E.J. Liddell led the Bulls with 29 points, but Delaware’s balanced scoring and defensive intensity were too much to overcome.

As the regular season begins, Delaware appears poised to build on their recent success, including their strong showing at the 2024 NBA G League Winter Showcase in Orlando. While the Blue Coats didn’t take home the Showcase Cup this year, the team remains focused on reclaiming their championship form from the 2022-23 season.

With a back-to-back rematch against Windy City looming, Longabardi emphasized the importance of maintaining focus. “We’ve got to stay locked in. This is just the first step in a long journey.”

The Blue Coats are back in action tomorrow night at Chase Fieldhouse, where they’ll look to sweep the Bulls in this two-game series. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.

For tickets and more information about the Delaware Blue Coats, visit www.bluecoats.team.