November 21, 2008 | AP Press

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Alphonso Dawson scored 21 of his 26 points in the second half to lead Delaware to its first win, 85-81, over St. Bonaventure in a Garden State Challenge game at Rutgers Friday night.

Jawan Carter had 16 points and hit two clinching free throws with 3.6 seconds remaining for the Blue Hens (1-2), who gave the Bonnies (2-1) their first loss. Brian Johnson added 19 points and eight assists for Delaware, which shot 50 percent. Dawson was 9-for-9 in the second half.

St. Bonaventure shot 54 percent and got 24 points from Jonathan Hall, 18 from Chris Matthews and 14 from Andrew Nicholson. The three shot a combined 25-for-36.

St. Bonaventure had a chance to tie down, but Hall committed an offensive foul with under five seconds to play.

Carter hit two free throws to seal the victory.