Norfolk, Va. (Jan. 12, 2022) --- The Delaware State men's basketball team dropped its 2021-22 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener to defending conference champ and preseason favorite Norfolk State 80-51 in Echols Hall this evening.
Joe Bryant led the Spartans with a game-high 29 points on nine-for-12 shooting from the field, including five-of-seven on three-point shots. NSU's Kris Bankston added 18 points on eight-for-eight shooting, and led all players with nine rebounds. 
Jalen Hawkins came off the bench to contribute 15 points for the Spartans.
John Stansbury and Myles Carter topped the score sheet for Delaware State with 11 points each. The duo also pulled down seven rebounds each to lead the Hornets.
Delaware State only trailed 27-20 at the half, but was outscored 53-31 in the final 20 minutes. 
The Hornets played without starting guards Dominik Fragala and Corey Perkins in the contest. 
Delaware State will return to action on Sat. Jan. 22 for their MEAC home opener against North Carolina Central. Start time is set for 4:30 p.m. following the Delaware State/, NC Central women's contest in Memorial Hall. Under university health and safety protocols, spectators will not permitted to attend the contest.
The university has set the Jan. 24 doubleheader against South Carolina State for the return of spectator attendance. The Delaware State vs. South Carolina State women will begin the doubleheader at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men's contest at 7:30.
When spectators are allowed to return to university's sports venues, all will be required to upload proof of full Covid vaccination status or a negative Covid PCR test result administered within five days of the competition.  Also, all spectators will be required to wear masks at all times. Failure to comply could result in removal from the facility.   
Upload instructions will be posted on the university (DESU.edu), athletics (DSUHornets.com) and ticketing (DSUHornetsTickets.com) webpages, along with Hornet social media sites, in the coming days.