WASHINGTON - The American University men's basketball team's furious second-half comeback fell short as the University of Delaware defeated the Eagles 72-63 in the home opener Tuesday night at Bender Arena.

Delaware started the game off with a 16-4 run in the first five minutes. As the first half came to a close, Delaware took its largest lead of the half, as Calvin Smith chipped in a layup at the buzzer to put the Fighting Blue Hens up by 13.

The Eagles were able to fight back in the second stanza, bridging the gap to 10 after a fast break layup by Andres Rodriguez (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Louisville) at 13:36. With 43 seconds remaining, Rodriguez pulled the Eagles within two after another fast-break bucket.

As the clock ran down, the Eagles were not able to pull it out, with the Fighting Blue Hens pulling away by making eight of 10 free throws in the last 37 seconds.

American was led by Jernavis Draughn (Triangle, Va./Potomac Senior) with 16 points and seven boards. Rodriguez and Matej Cresnik (Velenje, Slovenia/Univerza V Ljubljani) chipped in 13 points apiece.

For Delaware, which improves to 2-0, four players scored in double figures, led by Mike Ames' 16 points and seven rebounds.

The Eagles fall to 0-2 on the season. American returns to action Saturday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. when they visit Fairleigh Dickinson.