DOVER, DE --The Delaware State men's basketball team got a 17-point showing from the bench on the way to a 55-53 victory against the Coppin State Eagles at home Saturday.

Martaz Robinson led the Hornets (8-9, 1-0) with 13 points, six rebounds and five steals. Deywilk Tavarez added nine points and three steals and Raymond Somerville chipped in as well with eight points, six rebounds and two blocks.

Delaware State pulled down 30 rebounds in Saturday's game compared to Coppin State's 24, led by Somerville's six boards. The Hornets also cleaned up the offensive glass, turning 12 rebounds into 12 second chance points.

Delaware State forced 21 Coppin State turnovers while committing 18 themselves in Saturday's game. The Hornets turned those takeaways into 17 points on the other end of the floor. Robinson's five steals led the way for Delaware State.

How It Happened

After playing to a 13-13 tie, Delaware State went on a 7-0 run with 6:52 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Khyrie Staten, to take a 20-13 lead. The Hornets then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 27-21 advantage. Delaware State did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 18 of its 27 points close to the basket.

The Eagles proceeded to tie things up at 27-27 before Delaware State went on a 6-0 run to seize a 33-27 lead with 16:57 to go in the contest. The Eagles narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Hornets still held on for the 55-53 win. Delaware State capitalized on nine Coppin State turnovers in the period, collecting nine points off those turnovers. Delaware State had a 30-24 edge on the boards in the win. The Delaware State defense forced 21 turnovers.

The Hornets return to action Monday, January 8 when they travel to Morgan State University in continued MEAC Conference play. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.