Columbus, OH ? Cold shooting was too much for the Delaware State Hornets to overcome, falling short in the first round of the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT to Columbia University Lions 47-41. The win improved the Lions to 1-1, while the Hornets dropped their first game of the season and are standing at 2-1.

In the first half the Hornets had a cold start from floor shooting only 30.4% connecting on just seven of 23 shots. The Lions on the other hand shot 40% from the floor hitting nine of 22 shots and led at the half 25-19.

Second half shooting from the field did not improve much, but the Hornets did manage to cut into the Lions biggest lead of the game (12 pts.) to five 44-39 with 1:37 left in the game. The Lions secured the win hitting three of four shots from the charity stripe in the final minute of the game.

Sophomore guard Marcus Neal led the Hornets in scoring with 10 points, and John Baumann led the Lions with 21 points. The Lions put three in double figures led by John Baumann's 21 and Patrick Foley finished with 11 and Joseph Bova had 10.

The Hornets will play the loser of the Wisconsin-Green Bay and Ohio State game, while Columbia will face the winner for the regional championship and a trip to Madison Square Gardens.