(Dover, Del.) – Saturday afternoon, the Delaware State women's basketball team (8-17, 5-7 MEAC) defeated the visiting Norfolk State Spartans (2-11, 2-11 MEAC) for a much needed 64-61 victory, thanks to guard Mikah Aldridge pouring in a career-high 26 points (8-of-13) and forward NaJai Pollard chipping in with 17 points (8-of-14).

This win for the Lady Hornets not only snapped a four-game skid, but it resulted in their first victory over Norfolk State since a 58-48 triumph on Feb. 23, 2013.  The Spartans, on the other hand, have now dropped two out of its last four after starting the season at 0-19.   

Aldridge got things going early by scoring 10 of her 15 first half points (6-of-8) in the first quarter, whereas defensively, the Lady Hornets held the Spartans to a dismal 19 percent (4-of-21) shooting. Taking a seven-point lead (17-10) into the second quarter, Delaware State built its lead all the way to 12 (29-17), capped off by guard Aliah Stinnett finding Pollard for a layup at the 3:13 mark.  

However, the Spartans closed the quarter strong, thanks to forward Siobhan Beslow scoring seven unanswered points to make it a five-point ball game (29-24) at the break.  Norfolk State's strong first half finish carried over to the third quarter, as a Beslow layup knotted the game up at 35 at 5:43 mark.  After a miss by DSU on the ensuing possession, the Spartans took their first lead of the day by way of a Kiara Phillips jumper inside the arc.

Delaware State, despite facing its first deficit of the afternoon, battled back to close the quarter on a 9-1 run in the final 3:39 to take a 48-42 advantage into the final 10 minutes of the game.  During this stretch, Aldridge drained one of her season-high four 3-pointers, which also tied career-best for makes.

The fourth quarter, meanwhile, featured the Lady Hornets leading the entire way, but without a fight by the Spartans.  On two separate occasions, NSU made it a one-point game with the last occurring by way of forward Kayla Roberts feeding Beslow for a layup at the 2:32 mark.  Nevertheless, the Lady Hornets held the Spartans scoreless over the next 1:07, whereas Aldridge sank two of DSU's 10 fourth quarter free throws to put her squad back on top by two. 

At game's end, Delaware State held NSU to 31 percent (21-of-67) shooting, despite three players finishing the afternoon scoring in double figures.  The Hornets, on the other hand, shot 42 percent (22-of-52), including going 11-for-22 (.500) from the field in the second half.  From the charity stripe, both were considerably good, as DSU went 16-for-19 (.842) and NSU went 15-for-21 (.714).    

Coming up, the Columbia Blue & Red will return to action this Monday evening (5:30 p.m.) at home against the Hampton Pirates.  DSU will look to snap 14-game slide to the Pirates dating back all the way to the 2007-08 season.

Stingers

DSU had 20 turnovers to NSU's 15, but the Lady Hornets won the steals battle (10-4)… The Spartans outrebounded the Lady Hornets, 41-36… Mikah Aldridge notched her fourth 20-point game this season… NaJai Pollard also totaled team-highs in rebounds (8), steals (3) and blocks (2)… The Hornets are now 6-6 at home this season… DSU is now 23-18 all-time against the Spartans.