Piscataway, NJ -- (Sports Network) - Alphonso Dawson scored a game-high 26 points to lead the Delaware Blue Hens to an 85-81 win over Saint Bonaventure as part of the Garden State Tip-Off Challenge at the Louis Brown Athletic Center.

Dawson converted 11-of-16 from the field on the night for the Blue Hens (1-2) as they won their first game of the season. Also scoring in double figures were Brian Johnson and Jawan Carter with 19 and 16 points, respectively, the former handing out eight assists and the latter five dishes.

The Bonnies (2-1) were paced by Jonathan Hall and his 24 points on 11-of-15 from the floor, followed by Chris Matthews and his 18 points. Reserve Andrew Nicholson chipped in 14 points and cleared six rebounds as well.

The home team moved out to a 6-0 lead early in the contest, but the Bonnies ended up converting just 4-of-12 at the free-throw line in the period, leaving them with a 38-35 advantage at the break.

In the second half Delaware stormed back with 54.8 percent from the field and 5-of-9 behind the three-point line to claim the four-point triumph.

The Blue Hens won despite turning the ball over 17 times and shooting a woeful 16-of-30 at the charity stripe.