WILMINGTON, Delaware – The Delaware Blue Coats secured a hard-fought victory over the Wisconsin Herd at Chase Fieldhouse, winning 106-115. The win marks the Blue Coats’ third consecutive victory and solidifies their position in the NBA G League’s Eastern Conference standings.
Saint Thomas led all players with a career-high 33 points for Delaware. Drew Cisse delivered a dominant performance on the boards, securing 26 rebounds, including a franchise-record 20 offensive rebounds. The rebounding advantage proved crucial for the Blue Coats, who ultimately controlled the glass 64-40.
Despite a strong effort from the Herd, led by Cormac Ryan’s 23 points and 15 points from Victor Oladipo off the bench, Delaware managed to hold on for the win. The game came down to the wire, with Oladipo’s potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer falling short.
“Just a character win,” said Blue Coats Head Coach JP Clark. “This is one of the games you remember as a player, just coming in with eight guys and just finding a way to totally gut it out and find a way to get a big home win.” The team was reportedly playing with a limited roster, adding to the significance of the victory.
Malcolm Hill contributed a strong performance for the Blue Coats, scoring 28 points and adding nine rebounds. The team’s offensive efficiency, combined with their dominance on the boards, proved too much for the Herd to overcome.
The game also held special significance as the Blue Coats hosted their first Education Day of the season, welcoming over 2,400 local elementary school students to Chase Fieldhouse. The sold-out crowd represented the largest of the 2025-26 season, creating an energetic atmosphere for the contest.
The Blue Coats and Herd will face off again on , at 6:00 PM at Chase Fieldhouse. The upcoming game will be designated as Mental Health Awareness Night, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Tickets are currently available for purchase through Ticketmaster.
The Delaware Blue Coats currently hold a record of 9-8, placing them within contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Wisconsin Herd, with a record of 7-11, continue to struggle to find consistency this season. The Herd’s recent performance has been hampered by a challenging road schedule, having played several games away from home in January and early February.
Looking at the broader NBA G League landscape, the Osceola Magic currently lead the Eastern Conference with a record of 13-4. The Raptors 905 and the Cleveland Charge are closely behind, both boasting records of 11-5. The Blue Coats’ recent winning streak positions them favorably as they aim to climb the conference standings.
Saint Thomas, a forward for the Delaware Blue Coats, has been a key contributor to the team’s success. He is currently averaging 9.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His recent performance, highlighted by his career-high 33-point outing, demonstrates his growing potential within the league. Thomas previously played college basketball for the University of Southern California.
The Wisconsin Herd, affiliated with the Milwaukee Bucks, are using the G League as a developmental platform for young players and veterans seeking to regain their form. Victor Oladipo, a former NBA All-Star, has been assigned to the Herd to work on his conditioning and game shape. His 15-point performance on Thursday suggests he is making progress in his recovery.
The NBA G League serves as a vital link between the NBA and aspiring professional basketball players. It provides a competitive environment for players to hone their skills and showcase their talent to NBA scouts. The league also offers opportunities for veterans to extend their careers and for coaches to develop their leadership abilities.
The rematch between the Blue Coats and the Herd on Saturday is expected to be another closely contested affair. Delaware will look to maintain their momentum and solidify their playoff aspirations, while Wisconsin will aim to bounce back from Thursday’s defeat and improve their standing in the Eastern Conference.
