DOVER, DE --The Delaware State women's basketball team took a 59-43 advantage into the fourth quarter, but could not hang on and fell 66-64 to the Loyola (MD) Greyhounds at home Saturday.

The Hornets (4-9) had two players score in double figures, led by Kiarra Mcelrath, who had 18 points. Tyshonne Tollie added 16 points and two steals and Denijsha Wilson added nine points and four assists.

Delaware State pulled down 27 rebounds in Saturday's game compared to Loyola (MD)'s 20, led by eight boards from Noami Zulueta.

The Delaware State defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's game, forcing 14 Loyola (MD) turnovers. Those takeaways turned into seven points on the other end of the floor. Tollie's two steals led the way individually for the Hornets.

How It Happened

After jumping out to a 9-8 advantage, Delaware State went on a 9-0 run with 5:18 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from McKenzie Stewart, to increase its lead to 18-8. The Hornets then added one point to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with a 21-10 advantage.

Delaware State kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 6-0 run starting at the 2:21 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Wilson, to increase its lead to 37-22. The Greyhounds cut into that lead, but the Hornets still enjoyed a 37-28 advantage heading into halftime. Delaware State forced five Loyola (MD) turnovers in the period and turned them into four points.

Following intermission, Delaware State continued to expand its advantage, pushing it to 52-41 before going on a 7-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Kiarra McElrath, to expand its lead further to 59-41 with 18 seconds to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Greyhounds had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Hornets still entered the fourth quarter with a 59-43 edge. Delaware State played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 22 points in the paint.

Loyola (MD) then erased the Delaware State lead in the game's final quarter for a 66-64 comeback victory. Delaware State fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down one shot to account for three of its five points. The Delaware State bench came alive by scoring 22 points to its scoring output. Delaware State lost despite a 27-20 rebounding advantage. The Delaware State defense forced 14 turnovers.
 

The Hornets return to action Saturday, January 6 when they host Coppin State University in the first MEAC Conference game. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.