Norfolk, Va. (Feb. 8, 2020) --- Delaware State trailed by just six at the break, but crumbled in the second half of an 85-57 men's basketball loss to Norfolk State at Echols Hall this evening.
The Spartans snapped a two-game losing streak to improve to 11-13 overall and 7-2 in the MEAC. The Hornets dropped their second in a row to fall to 3-19 and 2-6.
Joe Bryant led four Norfolk State double-figure scorers with a game-high 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field, including two three-pointers, and four free throws on four attempts.
Devante Carter added 19 points and tied for the team lead with eight rebounds for the Spartans.
Myles Carter (jr.) came off the bench to lead Delaware State with 13 points. Carter has reached double figures in scoring in two of the last three games for the Hornets.
Pinky Wiley added 11 points and Fahim Jenetto 10 for DSU.
Delaware State's John Crosby, the MEAC's leading scorer at 20.4 points per game entering the contest, was held to nine points on three-of-11 shooting from the field, although he led all players with five assists.
Despite hitting just eight-of-23 shots in the first half (34.8%), the Hornets only trailed 32-26 at the break.
Norfolk's lead was just 39-34 after a lay-up by Jenetto with just 15:40 left to play.
The Spartans outscored the Hornets 20-7 over the next seven minutes, and opened up a 59-41 lead after two free throws by Bryant at the 8:35 mark of the second half.
The Hornets could get no closer than 16 points the rest of the way.
Norfolk State was 16-for-30 from the field in the second half (53.3%), including seven of 16 on three-point shots (43.8%).
The Spartans also held a 40-33 rebounding edge and forced the Hornets into 20 turnovers in the game.
Freshman Omari Peek-Green was DSU's top rebounder with eight in the contest.
The Hornets continue their road swing with a visit to South Carolina State on Monday (Feb. 10). Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. in Orangeburg, S.C.
DSU returns home next Saturday (Feb. 15) to face Florida A&M. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall.