Durham, N.C. (Jan. 25.2020) --- Defending MEAC champ North Carolina Central took no chances this time, avenging a last second loss to Delaware State two weeks ago, with a 72-45 victory over the Hornets at McDougald-McLendon Arena today.
Jabri Blount tied his career-high with 33 points and led all players with 10 rebounds for NCCU, which led 27-20 at the break, but outscored DSU 45-25 in the second half. Blount was 11-for-15 from the field (2-2 3pt FG) nine-of-13 at the free throw line.
Ameer Bennett (jr.) was high scorer for Delaware State with 13 points. DSU's John Crosby (sr.), the MEAC's leading scorer at 22.1 points per game entering the contest, was held to 11 points on 3-for-11 shooting from the field. Crosby hit the game-winning shot as time expired in the Hornets' 68-66 victory over North Carolina Central in this season's first meeting between the teams on Jan. 11 at DSU's Memorial Hall. The Eagles led by 13 points midway through the second half in the earlier meeting.
Blount was second to Crosby in the MEAC scoring race at 19.4 points per game entering today's meeting.
Blount scored the first six points in today's contest to give the Eagles the early lead. After the Hornets pulled to within 6-4, the Eagles ran off 10 straight points, including a lay-up and three-pointer by Blount, to open up a 14-4 lead.
Delaware State answered with a 9-3 run, and cut NCCU's lead to 17-13at the 4:54 mark of the first half.
The Eagles led 31-27 early in the second half before taking control for good.
NC Central ran off 20 of the next 24 points, and opened up a 51-31 advantage on a dunk by Evan Clayborne with 12:03 left to play.
Delaware State could get no closer than 17 point the rest of the way.
The Hornets hit just 17 of their 61 shots from the floor (27.9%), including three-of-23 on three-point attempts (13%).
The Eagles shot 65.2% in the second half 15-for-23) and 47.1% for the game.    
NC Central improved to 8-12 overall and 4-2 in the MEAC, while Delaware State fell to 2-16 and 1-3.
The Hornets will remain on the road for their next game on Monday (Jan. 27) at North Carolina A&T. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Greensboro, N.C.  This will be the second meeting in two weeks between the teams. DSU suffered a 98-77 loss to the Aggies on Jan. 13 in Memorial Hall.
Delaware State is back home next Saturday ( Feb. 1) against Coppin State. Game time is 2:00 p.m., followed by the DSU/Coppin State women's contest at 4:00 p.m.