Dover, DE ? This was the biggest conference setback of the season for the Delaware State Hornets in reference to scoring margin, as the Florida A&M Rattlers took advantage of poor second half shooting for a 70-58 win.  It was the third straight Rattler win over the Hornets dating back to the tournament championship game buzzer beater last year and their 70-68 win in Tallahassee in January.  The largest margin of defeat suffered by the Hornets in conference action was five (vs. Morgan St. 59-64/1-19).

The Hornets fall to 12-14, 9-5 in the MEAC, while the Rattlers improved to 11-16, 7-7.

DSU held a 29-28 lead at the half, but left the defense and offensive intensity in the locker room as the Rattlers opened the second half with 11-0 run and took a 10 point 39-29 lead with 17:28 left.  The Hornets did manage to cut the lead to one 47-46 when Donald Johnson was fouled on a three point attempt and made all three free throws with 9:00 minutes left.  At that point the Rattlers took advantage of poor shooting and out hustled the Hornets down the stretch.

The Hornets shot 26.5% (9-34) from the floor in the second half, including 2 of 12 (16.7%) from behind the arc.  On the other side, the Rattlers shot a blazing 61.1% (11-18) from the floor in the second half.

The Hornets finished with two in double figures led by Roy Bright with 22 and Johnson added 16 points.

Pacing the Ratters was Leslie Robinson who led all scorers with 24 and Lamar Twitty added 18 points and a game high 11 rebounds.

The Hornets will return to action on Saturday, March 1 hosting the Bears of  Morgan State at 4:30 p.m.