Anthony Myles is hoping to have big game in his return to Delaware/ Photo by JOHN BLAINE

 

Anthony Myles is ready to ring in the New Year with a homecoming.

Rider tries to break even for 2012 Monday when it travels to Delaware for a New Year’s Eve tip.

Myles has had this game circled on his calendar since the schedule was released.

“It’s my homecoming and everybody is excited to see me play,” said the junior guard from Dover, Del., adding that he has so many family members coming he’s not sure he’ll be able to get enough tickets.

“I’m looking to have a big game down there. This is my first time going to Delaware, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Myles starred at Polytech High in nearby Woodside, twice earning first-team all-state honors and scoring 1,300 career points.

Yet, the hometown team never recruited him.

Myles doesn’t have any sour grapes about it. He said there’s no extra motivation to prove anything.

“Coming off three losses, we’re just looking for a win,” he said. “There’s not anything extra.”

Myles is having an outstanding season. He leads the Broncs in scoring, averaging 13.2 points per game through the first 13 contests. He’s also shooting just under 40 percent from beyond the arc.

Personal bests aside, he’s more interested in snapping this three-game losing streak. Rider (6-7) hasn’t won since a 62-56 victory over Siena on Dec. 7 and is coming off a loss to Rutgers.

The Broncs found themselves down three with five minutes to play in Piscataway, but faltered down the stretch.

Myles stepped up and shouldered the blame.

“There were shots that I missed that I felt like I should have made,” he said, calling the loss a missed opportunity. “I have to cut down on the turnovers and give my team a chance to win.”

Rider has two other players averaging in double figures — Nurideen Lindsey and Jon Thompson.

Coach Kevin Baggett moved Thompson to point guard and Lindsey off the ball against Rutgers. He thought it might take some of the pressure off Lindsey’s shoulder and keep defenses from closing the lane on him.

Lindsey scored seven points on 3 of 12 shooting, but had open looks. He just needs to knock them down.

“Once Jon got in there and took care of the ball a little bit, I thought it would give Nuri a chance to drive it, which he did,” Baggett said. “There were some shots he had open, and he’s got to get to making those.”

The Blue Hens (4-8), under seventh-year coach Monté Ross, have lost seven of nine but are coming off an 83-60 win over Penn, although the Quakers had several starters suspended and dressed just seven players.

Guard Devon Saddler is Delaware’s top threat, averaging 19.2 points per game.

Who: Rider (6-7) at Delaware (4-8).

When: 2 p.m., Monday, Bob Carpenter Center, 107.7 FM The Bronc.

Last time out: Rider lost to Rutgers, 68-56; Delaware def. Penn, 83-60.

Projected starting lineups: Rider: G-Jon Thompson (Sr. 10.8 ppg), G-Nurideen Lindsey (Jr. 11.4 ppg), G-Anthony Myles (Jr. 13.2 ppg), F-Danny Stewart (Jr. 9.8 ppg), C-Dera Nd-Ezuma (Sr. 2.6 ppg).

Delaware: G-Devon Saddler (Jr. 19.2 ppg), G-Kyle Anderson (So. 7.9 ppg), G-Jarvis Threatt (So. 10 ppg), F-Jamelle Hagins (Sr. 13.2 ppg), F-Carl Baptiste (Jr. 3.8 ppg).