KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant first-half performance and a furious second-half rally that fell just short, the Kennesaw State Owls held off the Delaware Blue Hens 90-82 in a Conference USA men’s basketball game Saturday at KSU Convocation Center.

The Owls, improving to 18-11 overall, built a commanding 25-point halftime lead behind a blistering offensive display, only to withstand a relentless Delaware comeback attempt that saw the Blue Hens trim the deficit to a single possession in the final minutes.

Kennesaw State seized control from the opening tip, racing to a 50-25 halftime advantage. The Owls shot a scorching 62% from the field in the first half, including 7 of 13 from three-point range, while Delaware managed just 25 points on 33% shooting. The Owls’ interior presence was overwhelming, outscoring Delaware 26-8 in the paint before the break and securing eight offensive rebounds that led to 11 second-chance points.

The most important part of the game, however, was Delaware’s staggering response after intermission. The Blue Hens, now 9-20, erupted for 57 second-half points, shooting 60% from the field and 7 of 12 from beyond the arc. They opened the half on a 25-8 run, fueled by guard Christian Bliss and forward Alex Kazanecki, to slash the Kennesaw State lead to 58-50 with just over 15 minutes remaining.

Delaware’s pressure defense forced 12 Kennesaw State turnovers, converting them into 18 points. The Blue Hens’ comeback bid peaked when a three-pointer from Bliss made it 79-76 with 3:25 left in the game. Kennesaw State’s composure was then tested, and the Owls responded with critical plays down the stretch. A driving layup by Amir Taylor and a pair of free throws from Jaden Harris pushed the lead back to seven, and Delaware could get no closer than four points the rest of the way.

Bliss, a guard from Queens, New York, was spectacular in defeat, leading all scorers with 25 points and adding seven assists in 40 minutes. Kazanecki, from Morrow, Ohio, scored 16 of his 16 points in the second half, and Justyn Fernandez of Richmond, Virginia, contributed 20 points. Delaware was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, making 25 of 26 attempts.

Kennesaw State was led by Atlanta native Jaden Harris, who scored 22 points and dished out five assists. Frankquon Sherman of Lincolnton, Georgia, added 15 points and nine rebounds, while RJ Johnson of Huntsville, Alabama, chipped in 13 points and four assists. The Owls placed five players in double figures and finished the game shooting 57% from the field.

Despite Delaware’s remarkable second-half efficiency, where they scored 1.28 points per possession, their first-half deficit proved insurmountable. Kennesaw State’s early dominance provided just enough cushion, as they finished the game with an offensive rating of 129.1 points per 100 possessions, compared to Delaware’s 114.9.

The game, attended by 1,633 fans, was a rematch of a Jan. 4 contest won by Delaware 67-52. Kennesaw State’s victory avenged that earlier loss and continued its push in the Conference USA standings.

Delaware next hosts Sam Houston on Thursday, while Kennesaw State begins a road trip at UTEP on the same night.