Dover, Del. (Feb. 8, 2014) --- Tyshawn Bell tied his career high with 19 points to lead three Delaware State players in double figures in the Hornets' 61-53 win over visiting South Carolina State today.

DSU's first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference win of the season (1-8) also snapped an overall seven-game losing streak to improve its season record to 5-17.

"The guys have worked extremely hard since the transition, and it's nice to see their efforts rewarded with a win," said Delaware State interim head coach Keith Walker, who notched his first victory in three games since being appointed to the position on Jan. 30.

"We have been in all three games, but today we were able to execute down the stretch. I thought our defense and rebounding were solid throughout the game, especially in the second half."

Bell was seven-for-11 from the field, including four-of-seven from  three-point territory. The four three-pointers also tied a career-high.

Kendal Williams added 14 points for the Hornets. He was four-for-seven from the floor (one three-pointer) and five-of-six at the free throw line.

Casey Walker came off the bench to contribute 11 points to the win. His performance was highlighted by three three-pointers (3-for-6).

Kendall Gray had eight points and a team-high seven rebounds for the Hornets. He also led all players with four blocks.

Daryll Palmer led  a balanced South Carolina State score sheet with 11 points. Matthew Hezekiah had eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds for the Bulldogs.

South Carolina State led for much of the early going, but the Hornets used a late first half surge to pull ahead at the break.

The Bulldogs led by six points on four occasions in the first 16 minutes;  the last time on a follow-up basket by Hezekiah to open up a 25-19 advantage with 4:07 left in the first half.

Delaware State responded with a 9-0 run, and opened up a 28-25 lead on a three-pointer by Bell with 1:28 left in the half. DeAndre Haywood had five points and Bell four during the spurt.

After South Carolina State tied the score at 28, Walker nailed a three-pointer in the closing seconds of the half to give the Hornets a 31-28 lead at the break.

Bell hit back-to-back three-pointers to start the second half to give DSU a 37-28 lead.

The Bulldogs used an 8-0 run to get back into game. Koran Wright capped off the rally with a three-pointer to cut the Hornets' lead to 39-38 with 11:47 on the second half clock.

Delaware State answered with an 8-0 run of its own, and opened up a 47-38 lead on a three-ball by Williams with 8:48 remaining in the game. The junior guard scored the last five points of the run.

South Carolina State responded by scoring 10 of the next 11 points, and pulled to within 49-49 on a basket by Hezekiah with 3:27 left.

Bell hit a three-point shot on the ensuing Delaware State possession; while Williams hit a lay-up and Walker a three-pointer in the next two minutes to give the Hornets a 57-48 lead with 1:20 to go in the game.

Delaware State held its biggest lead, 60-50, on a free throw by Charles Burley with 19 seconds left.

The Hornets were 20-for-42 from the field (47.6%), including nine-of-18 in the second half (50.0%). DSU was 8-for-15 on three-point shots and 13-of-19 at the free throw line (68.4%).

South Carolina State was 21-for-58 from the floor, including five-of-23 from beyond the arc (21.7%).

Delaware State won the rebound battle 33-32.           

The Hornets wrap up their two-game homestand against Savannah State on Monday (Feb. 10). Game time is 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.