Dover, Del. (Nov. 14, 2021) --- Rider broke open a close game with a 15-3 run early in the second half to highlight its 63-53 victory over Delaware State in a men's basketball contest today.
The Broncs improved to 2-1 this season, while the Hornets dropped their second straight to fall to 1-2.
Jeremiah Pope came off the bench to lead four double-figure scorers for Rider with 14 points. Dwight Murray, Jr. added 13 points, while Ajiri Ogemuno-Johnson recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Broncs.
Myles Carter led Delaware State with a game-high 17 points. Fahim Jenneto was second on the Hornets with 13 points, while Dominik Fragala chipped in with 10 points.
DSU's Chris Sodom turned in a stellar defensive effort, grabbing a career-high 15 rebounds to lead all players and tying his career-high with five blocks, also a game high.
The Hornets trailed 9-6 in the early going, but scored nine of the next 10 points to grab the lead. Jenneto capped off the run with a basket and free throw to give DSU a 15-10 lead with 8:49 to go in the first half.
The Hornets scored just seven points in the rest of the half, and trailed 28-22 at the break.
The Broncs led 30-24 before going on an 11-0 run to take control of the game. Murray, Jr. capped off the rally with a steal and lay up to give Rider a 41-24 lead at the 13:13 mark of the second half.
DSU trailed by as many as 18 points on two occasions in the second half, the last time at 47-29 on another basket by Murray, Jr. with 9:22 left to play.
The Hornets answered with an 11-0 run, and pulled to within 47-40 after two free throws by Carter with 5:45 remaining. Carter scored five points, including a three-pointer, and Jenneto four during the rally.
Rider outscored DSU 10-5 over the next four minutes to regain control, opening up a 57-45 lead with 1:44 to go.
Delaware State hit just 19 of its 60 shots from the field (31.7%), including five of 21 on three-point attempts (23.8%).
The Hornets were also plagued by 21 turnovers in the contest.
Delaware State is back in action on Tues. (Nov. 16) for a home game against Regent University. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall.