Dover, Del. (Nov. 13, 2015) --- Delaware State led by as many 15 points in the second half, but was outscored 28-7 in the final 14-and-half minutes of a 62-56 loss to Delaware in the season opener for both teams in Memorial Hall Friday evening.

The Hens improved to 7-1 all-time in Memorial Hall to open up a 12-4 lead in the series between the state's two Division I programs. The road team has won the last five games in the series.

"Delaware was the more experienced team, and it showed in the second half," said DSU head coach Keith Walker. "I was pleased with our effort in the first half, but our execution was lacking after the break. It's going to take some time for the guys to come together as a team, but I'm optimistic about our prospects for the season."   

Marvin King-Davis led four Delaware players in double-figures with 13 points. He also led all players with 12 rebounds. Cazmon Hayes and Chivarsky Corbett tallied 12 points each, while reserve Devonne Pinkard added 10 for the Hens.

Freshman guard Devin Morgan came off the bench to lead the balanced Hornets with 10 points, all in the first half, in his first collegiate contest. DeAndre Haywood and newcomer Joe Lewis scored seven points each for DSU. Eleven of the 13 players who appeared for the Hornets scored in the contest.

The Hornets shot 15-for-32 in the first half (46.9%), including seven-of-18 from three-point territory, en route to a 37-31 lead at the break.

Delaware State started quickly in the second half, scoring 12 of the first 15 points, to open up its biggest lead. Todd Hughes (six points) capped off the rally with a nifty reverse lay-up to give the Hornets a 49-34 lead with 14:28 left to play.

Delaware answered with a 13-3 run, and pulled to within 52-47 on a on a three-pointer by Hayes with 6:53 left to play.

The Hens completed the comeback when Corbett scored on a tip-in to give the visitors a 55-54 lead at the 4:28 mark of the second half. After Delaware State came up empty on its next two possessions, Pinkard nailed a three-pointer to give Delaware a 58-54 lead with 2:26 remaining.

Delaware State missed each of its five shots, while Delaware hit four free throws to open up a 62-54 lead.

The Hornets hit just nine of their 32 second half shots (28.1%), including one-of-11 from behind the arc, after the break.

DSU was outrebounded 44-29 and was outscored 16-0 at the free throw line. The Hens were 16-for-23 at the stripe, while the Hornets missed their only two free throw attempts of the game.

The Hornets will return to action on Tuesday (Nov. 17) with a home contest against the University of Pennsylvania. Game time is 7 p.m.  The Quakers will try to avenge a  77-75 overtime loss to DSU in the first meeting between the teams last season.