Baltimore, Md. (Feb. 11, 2012) --- Marques Oliver hit a lay-up and free throw with 1.3 seconds left to lift Delaware State to an 84-81 come-from-behind win over Coppin State in a thriller at the CSU Physical Education Complex this afternoon. The Hornets trailed by 12 points with less than five minutes to play before rallying to win their sixth straight, improving to 10-11 overall and 7-3 in the MEAC. The loss snapped a three-game win streak for the Eagles, who fell to 12-12 and 7-4.
Delaware State trailed 70-58 after a dunk by Coppin State's Antonio Williams with 4:57 left in the game.
The Hornets, keyed by a pressing defense that forced four Coppin State turnovers in the next 58 seconds, began their comeback on a lay-up by Tahj Tate to pull to within 70-60 with 4:24 remaining.
Delaware State outscored the Eagles 13-3 over the next two minutes, and tied the game at 73-73 on a three-pointer by Tyshawn Bell with 2:57 left.
After Coppin State pulled ahead 75-73 on two free throws by Williams, the Hornets scored five of the next six points to pull ahead for the first time in the second half. DSU regained the lead 78-76 on a three-pointer by Casey Walker with 1:24 left.
Coppin State tied the game at 81-81 on two free throws by Akeem Ellis with 11.2 seconds. After calling a timeout, Jay Threatt pushed the ball up court and fed Oliver in the lane for the winning basket.
Walker led all players with a season-high 24 points, highlighted by six three-point field goals, tying his career high. He hit first five shots of the game, all three-pointers, in the first five minutes to spark the Hornets to an early lead.
Tahj Tate added 22 points for the Hornets, including 18 in the second half. His performance featured two spectacular second half dunks.
Threatt had his second straight double-double, tallying 11 points and a 10 assists. He has 10 assists in each of the last two games to give him 410 for his career, 10 shy of the school record 420 by Darren Shine (2004-07).
"I'm so proud of our team for not giving up after falling behind by double figures in the second half," said Delaware State head coach Greg Jackson, who collected his 177th win with the Hornets. "This team has a lot of heart, and it showed by its effort tonight. We must now maintain this momentum as we continue on our mission to challenge for a conference championship.
Oliver added 15 points and six rebounds for Delaware State.
Tony Gallo was high man for Coppin State with 23 points, while Williams added 20 for the Eagles.
The Hornets will continue their five-game road swing at Morgan State on Monday. Game time is 7:30 p.m. in Baltimore, Md.
