Bleu Devils Dominate SUNO, 98-63

Four Bleu Devils scored in double-figures extending Dillard's winning streak to seven.

NEW ORLEANS (The Advocate) - For the second consecutive game against Southern-New Orleans, Dillard was in a close game before the Bleu Devils stepped on the gas pedal.

On Saturday at Dillard, it didn't take as long this time. The Blue Devils began their big run midway of the first half on their way to a 98-63 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference victory.

"We didn't change anything," said senior power forward Patrick Thompson, a 1,000-point scorer who was playing his last home game. "We just started clicking, and when we do that, we're hard to stop."

Guard Kristopher Allmon had a game-high 24 points, Thompson 22 points and 10 rebounds and forward Joshua Simmons 21 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists. All three are seniors.

The victory was the seventh in a row for the Bleu Devils (16-8, 7-2), who entered the game tied with Talladega for first place. Dillard lost its first two games at Talladega and at Philander Smith, but have beaten both since.

Dillard has not lost a home game since Mike Newell became coach three seasons ago.

"We didn't have our whole team when we lost the first two games on the road (in conference play)," Newell said. "Our defense continues to get better, and we're scoring well."

The Devils finished two points shy of scoring 100 points for the fourth time in five games.

The teams were tied 24-24 midway of the first half. Dillard outscored the Knights 25-6 the rest of the half.

"They went on a 19-0 run," Knights first-year coach Brian Gibson said. "It was just like the first game (at SUNO). Four of Dillard's starters are seniors, so they've been there. Our guys have to have more stick-to-it-tiveness when things get tough. But we'll get there."

Allmon helped fuel the run with 17 first-half points, including five 3-pointers.

Dillard will play at Tougaloo Monday night. SUNO (3-15, 1-8) will play host to No. 23-ranked Xavier (18-6, 5-2).