Princess Anne, Md. (Feb. 14, 2015) --- Delaware State never trailed in the game, but withstood some heart-stopping moments in a 91-85 win over Maryland-Eastern Shore to spoil the Hawks' homecoming in a thrilling MEAC contest at the Hychte Center today.
The Hornets won their second straight to improve to 12-13 overall and 6-4 in the MEAC, while UMES fell to 14-13 and 7-5.
Delaware State led by as many as 18 points in the second half before the Hawks clawed to within two in the final minute.
Kendal Williams led four Hornets in double-figures with a career-high 22 points, highlighted by four three-point field goals. His previous career-high was 20 vs. South Carolina State on Jan. 31. Williams also led the Hornets with five assists.
Amere May added 20 points, including an off-balanced jumper in the lane to give the Hornets an 89-85 lead with 12 seconds left to play.
Tyshawn Bell contributed 19 points and Kendall Gray 15 for the Hornets.
“We knew UMES was capable of a late run, but I was pleased with our poise down the stretch,” said Delaware State head coach Keith Walker. “I thought our ball movement was pretty good throughout the game, which led to the balanced scoring. This was one of our better overall efforts this season.”
Williams had 14 first half points, including four free throws with 1.7 seconds left after a UMES technical, to give the Hornets a 44-36 lead at the break.
DSU get off to a quick start in the second half, scoring 12 of the first 18 points to open up a 16-point advantage. May capped off the run with a three-pointer to give the Hornets a 58-42 lead with 58-42 left to play.
Delaware State opened up the biggest lead of the game, 65-47, on a Williams three-pointer at the 13:58 mark of the second half.
UMES clawed back throughout the second half, and pulled to within 87-85 on a lay-up by Devin Martin with 58 seconds remaining in the game.
Delaware State was 30-for-60 from the field in the game (50%), including 18-of-31 in the second half (58.1%).
The Hornets had 20 assists in the contest, its second highest total of the season; and just 10 turnovers.
The Hornets return to action on Monday (Feb. 16) at home against Coppin State. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall following the DSU/Coppin State women's game.
STINGERS
DSU has combined for 181 points in the last two games after averaging 65 points in the first 23 contests … The Hornets had 13 three-point field goals in the game, giving them 27 in the last two contests … DSU had a season-high 22 assists vs. Cheyney on Jan. 5 … The Hornets snapped a three-game DSU losing streak at UMES.
