Norfolk, Va. (Feb. 9, 2010) --- The Delaware State men's basketball team held Norfolk State scoreless for nearly 12 minutes in the second half, then fought off a late Spartan rally to earn a 54-52 victory at Echols Hall Monday evening.
The Hornets improved to 12-9 overall and 7-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). DSU entered the evening in a three-way tie for second place in the league standings. The loss snapped a two-game win streak for Norfolk State, which fell to 5-17 and 4-6.
Marcus Neal led three Delaware State players in double figures with 16 points. Jay Threatt tied his career-high with 13 points, while Frisco Sandidge tallied 12 for the Hornets. Threatt also recorded six assists and four steals. He ranked third among all NCAA Div. I players in steals at 3.0 per-game entering the contest.
Norfolk State's Michael Deloach led all players with 18 points.
There were seven ties and two lead changes in the first half, which ended with Norfolk State holding a 26-23 lead.
After Sandidge hit a lay up and free throw to tie the score at 26, Norfolk State's Kyle O'Quinn put his team back out in front, 29-26, on a three-point shot with 19:04 left to play.
The Spartans would not score again until a jumper by Robert Hampton at the 7:25 mark of the second half. Delaware State scored 12 unanswered points between Norfolk State baskets to open up a 38-29 lead. The Spartans missed nine straight shots from the field, and committed nine turnovers during the drought.
Despite the dry spell, Norfolk State only trailed 41-39 after a lay up by Deloach with 3:12 left to play.
Delaware State opened up a 47-39 lead after consecutive baskets by Neal and Sandidge, and two free throws by Threatt with 1:15 remaining.
The Hornets missed eight free throws, including five in a row at one point, and committed two turnovers in the final 70 seconds, to give Norfolk State a chance.
Threatt hit one-of-two free throws to give DSU a 54-50 lead with eight seconds left. Norfolk State scored the final basket with 0.5 seconds to play.
The Hornets begin a four-game home stand this Saturday (Feb. 13) against Bethune-Cookman. Tip-off is 4:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
