Dover, Del. (Nov. 16, 2022) --- Visiting Delaware State cut a 15-point second half deficit to three in the final minute, but ran out of time in a 70-65 loss to Columbia at Levien Gym in New York this evening.
The Lions won for the first time this season (1-3), while the Hornets dropped their second straight to fall to 1-3.
Columbia's Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa led all players with 21 points, highlighted by 13-for-13 shooting at the free throw line. Cameron Shockley-Okeke was the only other double-figure scorer for the Lions with 10 points.
O'Koye Parker came off the bench to lead three double-figure scorers for Delaware State with 16 points on six-for-12 shooting from the field, including four-of-seven on three-point shots.
Khyrie Staten, coming off the bench for the first time this season, added 15 points, while Brandon Stone chipped in with 14 points (7-9 FG) for the Hornets.
Columbia used a 12-1 run midway through the first half to open up a double-digit lead, pulling ahead 17-7 on a lay up by Josh Odunowo with 11:37 to go in the opening frame.
The Hornets answered with a 12-4 run over the next four minutes, and cut the Lions' lead to 21-19 after a three-pointer by Parker at the 6:43 mark of the first half.
Columbia stretched its lead to 31-23 at the break.
Delaware State pulled to within four points on two occasions early in the second half, but the Lions pulled away again, opening up a 55-40 advantage on a three-pointer by Rubio De La Rosa with 8:43 left to play.
The Hornets rallied again, outscoring the Lions 20-7 over the next seven minutes, and pulled to within 62-60 on a lay up by Martaz Robinson with 1:23 left in the game.
Avery Brown hit one of two free throws with a minute left to  give Columbia a 63-60 lead.
Delaware State failed to score on the ensuing possession, and the Lions hit seven-of-nine free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
The Hornets hit 19 of their 31 second half shots (61.3%), including 4-of-8 three-pointers, to post a 51.8% shooting mark for the game (29-for-56).
Delaware State will play its third of five straight road games on Sunday (Nov. 20) at Connecticut. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m. in Storrs, Conn.
The Hornets will also visit Liberty (Nov. 26) and St. Francis Brooklyn (Nov. 30) before returning home to face Longwood on Dec. 3.