Dover, Del. (Feb. 25. 2013) --- The Delaware State University women's basketball team hung tough with MEAC leader Hampton for much of the game, but was no match for the defending league champ in a 49-41 loss in the Lady Hornets' home finale in Memorial Hall this evening.
DSU fell for the sixth time in the last seven games to drop to 9-17 overall and 6-7 in the MEAC. The Pirates won their 13th straight game to improve to 22-5 and 13-0 in league play.
Keiara Avant had game highs of 19 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Pirates. Hampton's Nicole Hamilton tallied 15 points, five assists and five steals in 40 minutes.
Tierra Hawkins led three Delaware State players in double figures with 12 points. Hawkins has reached double figures in scoring in 22 of the Lady Hornets' 26 games. Tasia Bristow and Kianna D'Oliveira had 11 points each for DSU. D'Oliveira also had two blocks to tie the Lady's Hornets' all-time record of 109, first set by Thea Littlepage (2006-08).
Delaware State never led in the contest, but only trailed 14-11 after a basket by Jade Washington with 9:26 left in the first half.
The Lady Hornets were down 23-13 after a Hampton basket with 3:30 left in the opening period, but scored the last four points of the half to pull to within 23-17 at the break.
Hampton outscored DSU 14-4 in the first five minutes of the second half, and opened up a 37-21 lead on a jumper by Alyssa Bennett with 15:56 left to play.
Delaware State trailed 43-25 before going on a spurt. The Lady Hornets scored 11 of the next 13 points, and pulled to within 45-36 after two free throws by D'Oliveira with 5:29 left in the game.
DSU could get no closer than eight the rest of the way.
The Lady Hornets outshot the Pirates 34%-to-29%, but were outrebounded 44-37. DSU was also plagued by 19 turnovers.
Delaware State will play its last three regular season games on the road, beginning with a visit to Howard this Saturday (Mar. 2) at 4:00 p.m.
