Dover, Del. (Feb. 22, 2016) --- Delaware State cut a 20-point second half deficit to five before running out of gas in an 82-72 loss to defending MEAC champ and current league leader Hampton in Memorial Hall this evening.
The Pirates won their third in a row and fifth in the last six games to improve to 16-9 overall and 11-2 in the MEAC. The loss snapped a season-best three-game win streak for the Hornets, who fell to 7-21 and 5-8.
The loss overshadowed a career performance by DSU freshman guard Devin Morgan, who led all players with 31 points, a single-game high for the Hornets this season.
Morgan was 10-for-19 from the field, including five-of-nine from three-point territory, and perfect on six free throws. His previous high was 27 vs. Morgan State on Jan. 9.
Hampton's Quinton Chievous recorded a double-double, tallying 21 points (7-13 FGs) and topping all players with 19 rebounds.
Reginald Johnson added 16 points, while Brian Darden contributed 11 and Dionte Adams 10 for the Pirates.
Hampton never trailed in the contest. The Pirates jumped out to a 16-6 lead on a three-point play by Adams and held its biggest first-half lead, 36-18, after a lay-up by Akim Mitchell with 39 seconds to go before the break.
Delaware State hit just eight-of-29 first-half shots (27.6%), including two-of-10 from three-point territory, to key a 36-20 deficit at the half
The Pirates opened up their biggest lead, 45-25, on two free throws by Adams at the 15:54 mark of the second half.
The Hornets trailed 57-38 before mounting a furious charge over the next five minutes.
Kavon Waller (four points) capped off a 21-7 DSU rally with a three-pointer to cut the Pirates' lead to 64-59 with 5:44 left to play.
Morgan scored 15 points during the spurt, highlighted by three three-pointers.
Chievous hit two free throws and a lay-up on Hampton's next two possessions to stretch the Pirate lead to 68-59.
The Hornets pulled to within five points again, 69-64, on a free throw by Joseph Lewis with 3:07 remaining, but could get no closer the rest of the way.
Delaware State outscored the Pirates 52-46 in the second half, highlighted by 17-of-33 shooting from the field (51.5%), including six three-pointers in nine attempts.
Lewis (12 points) and DeAndre Haywood (11) were the only other Hornets to reach double figures in scoring.
Hampton, the MEAC's top rebounding team entering the contest, won the battle of the boards 48-28. The Pirates collected 16 offensive rebounds, resulting in 17 points.
Delaware State begins a two-game road swing on Saturday at UMES. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m. in Princess Anne, Md. The Hornets will take on Hampton again next Monday (Feb. 29) at the HU Convocation Center before wrapping up the regular season at home against Coppin State on Mar. 3 (7:30 p.m.).
STINGERS
Morgan has reached double figures in scoring in seven straight games and has at least one three-pointer in 24 consecutive contests … he also had a career-high five three-pointers at Bethune-Cookman on Feb. 6. … the 12 points by Lewis were the most he's scored since a season-high 13 vs. Lamar on Nov. 21 … Delaware State outscored Hampton 33-15 in points off the bench.
