Dover, Del. (Jan. 27, 2014) --- The Delaware State men's basketball team led by seven points with a minute-and-a half to play in regulation, but failed to hold on in a 65-59 non-conference overtime loss to NJIT (New Jersey Tech) in Memorial Hall this evening.
The Hornets (4-15) were outscored 16-10 in overtime en route to their fifth straight loss. The Highlanders snapped a three-game losing streak to improve to 9-13 this season.
Delaware State was ahead 47-40 after Casey Walker hit a free throw with 1:31 left in the second half. On the ensuing possession, NJIT's Jim Coleman hit a short jumper to cut the Hornets' lead to 47-42. After DSU's Nick Doyle hit one-of-two free throws with 1:02 left in regulation, Ky Howard nailed a three-pointer to pull the Highlanders to within 48-45.
Delaware State committed a turnover on its next possession, but NJIT failed to capitalize when Damon Lynn missed a potential game-tying three-point shot with 43 seconds showing on the second half clock.
Doyle again went one-for-two at the free throw line to give the Hornets a 49-45 lead with 42 seconds left in regulation.
NJIT's Ky Howard was fouled on the ensuing possession. He missed the second of two free throws, but Terrence Smith grabbed the offensive rebound for the Highlanders. Jake Duncan made the Hornets pay when he nailed a three-pointer with 31 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 49-49.
Delaware State had the final second half possession, but Jason Owens missed an off-balanced three-point attempt as time expired.
NJIT scored the first five points of the overtime to take its first lead of the game.
The Hornets scored six of the next eight points, and pulled to within 56-55 on two free throws by Walker with 1:44 left in the extra period.
Smith hit a short jumper on NJIT's next possession to give his team a 58-53 lead. After a Delaware State miss, Lynn nailed a three-pointer at the top of the key to put the Highlanders ahead 61-55 with 19 seconds left to play.
Delaware State led 26-15 late in the first half, and held a 28-20 advantage at the break. The Hornets were ahead 30-20 after Tyshawn Bell hit two free throws with 18:22 left in the second half.
Duncan led five NJIT players in double figures with 19 points. His performance was highlighted by five three-point field goals (5-9). Howard added 13 points and Lynn 12 for the Highlanders.
Kendall Gray was high scorer for the Hornets with 14 points and led all players with 12 rebounds. He also had four blocks to give him 12 in the last two games. Gray has a team-high six double-doubles this season.
Walker chipped in 13 points for the Hornets. He has reached double figures in scoring in each of the last eight games.
Delaware State outshot NJIT 42.9% to 31.5% for the game. The Hornets were 18-for-42 from the field, while the Highlanders were 17-of-54.
NJIT knocked down eight three-point field goals (8-30) to just two for Delaware State (2-8).
Free throw shooting also played a factor in the game. NJIT was 23-for-29 from the line (79.3%), while the Hornets were 21-of-34 (61.8%).
Delaware State returns to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play this weekend with a visit to Morgan State on Saturday (Feb. 1). Game time is 4:00 p.m. in Baltimore, Md.
