Dover, Del. (Jan. 30, 2016) --- Delaware State shot less than 30 percent from the field and hit just two of 20 three-point attempts in a 56-41 loss to South Carolina State in a MEAC men's basketball contest in Memorial Hall today. 

The Hornets lost for the first time in three games to fall to 3-18 overall and 2-5 in the MEAC. SC State won for the seventh in eight games to improve to 12-11 and 7-2. The Bulldogs also snapped a four-game losing streak in Memorial Hall, winning at DSU for the first time since the 2008-09 season.

Eric Eaves came off the bench to lead South Carolina State with a game-high 20 points. Eaves was seven-for-12 from the field, including three-of-four from three-point territory.

Darryl Palmer recorded a double-double for the Bulldogs with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

DeAndre Haywood was the only Delaware State player to reach double figures with 10 points. Todd Hughes came off the bench to add eight points for the Hornets, including six in the last 1:46 of the game.

Delaware State missed its first nine shots from the field and committed three turnovers to fall behind 8-1 in the early going. The Hornets did not hit their first field goal until Devin Morgan nailed a three-pointer at the 11:47 mark of the first half to cut the Bulldogs' lead to 8-4.

South Carolina State led 12-4 before the Hornets scored three straight baskets, two by DeVaughn Mallory (six points), to cut the deficit to two.    

The Bulldogs led 21-17 at the half. Delaware State's halftime total was its second-lowest of the season. The Hornets scored 15 first half points in an 82-38 loss to Old Dominion in Dec. 4.

DSU shot 25 percent from the floor in the first half (six-for-24), including just one-of-10 from beyond the arc.

The Hornets trailed just 22-21 after a lay-up by Haywood early in the second half.

South Carolina State responded with a 17-6 run over the next six minutes, and opened up a 39-27 lead on a three-pointer by Eaves with 10:26 left to play.

The Bulldogs held their biggest lead of the game, 53-33, on a basket by Palmer with 2:09 remaining.

Delaware State shot 29.6% for the game, connecting on just 16 of its 54 shots from the floor.

South Carolina State won the rebound battle 44-39. The Bulldogs collected 19 offensive boards and tallied 16 fast break points, compared to four for the Hornets.

Delaware State returns to action on Monday with a home contest against Div. II Cheyney. Game time is 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall.

STINGERS
Morgan has at least one three-pointer in 17 straight games, and in 19 of the 20 games in which he has appeared … SC State swept the season series with the Hornets … the Bulldogs defeated the Hornets 90-79 on Jan. 16 in Orangeburg, SC … DSU freshman center Demola Onifade had two blocks to give him a team-high 24 for the season … Artem Tavakalyan scored six points and dished out a career-high three assists in 13 minutes off the bench for the Hornets.