Durham, N.C. (Jan. 28, 2012) --- Tahj Tate scored 20 points and Casey Walker added 15 to lead Delaware State to a 76-70 MEAC win over North Carolina Central at McDougald-McLendon Gym today.

The Hornets won their second straight to improve to 6-11 overall and 3-3 in the MEAC. The Eagles dropped their third in a row to fall to 9-11 and 3-4.

Tate was 6-for-13 from the field, including a three-pointer, and 7-of-7 at the free throw line. He has talled 39 points in the last two games.  

Kendall Gray tallied 14 points and Jay Threatt chipped in 11 for DSU.

NCCU's Ray Willis led all players with 28 points, highlighted by 15-for-19 shooting at the line.

Delaware State led by as many as 15 points in the second half before the Eagles fought back. NCCU trailed 74-70 with the ball, but missed a chance to pull to within a point when Tramar Beamon misfired on a three-point shot with 20 seconds left to play.

The Hornets led 37-27 at the half, and opened up their biggest lead 55-40 on a dunk by Gray with 11:24 remaining in the game. 

NCCU held the early advantage, opening up a 13-5 lead on a jumper by Willis with 13:39 left in the first half.

The Hornets answered with a 24-7 run, and opened up a 29-20 lead on a free throw by Gray with 4:37 left in the opening frame. Tate scored nine points during the spurt.

Delaware State was 25-for-50 from the field (50%), including 4-of-14 from three-point territory. DSU was 22-for-29 at the free throw line. NC Central hit 21 of its 46 shots from the floor, including 5-of-10 from beyond the arc.

The Eagles won the rebound battle, 34-28. Delaware State committed just eight turnovers, while forcing NCCU into 12.

The game featured a total of 46 fouls leading to 66 free throws (37 by NCCU).

The Hornets will go for their third straight win and wrap up a two-game Carolina swing with a visit to North Carolina A&T on Monday. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C.