DOVER, DE --The Delaware State women's basketball team fell short in a 64-51 loss to the Coppin State Eagles at home Saturday.

The Hornets (4-10, 0-1) had two players score in double figures, led by Noami Zulueta, who had 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Denijsha Wilson tacked on 14 points and Tyshonne Tollie added five points.

McKenzie Stewart pulled down two offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Delaware State, grabbing 11 boards and turning them into 11 second chance points.

Delaware State forced 16 Coppin State turnovers while committing 12 themselves in Saturday's game. The Hornets turned those takeaways into nine points on the other end of the floor. Stewart led the way individually with one steal.

How It Happened

Delaware State kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 16-14.

Coppin State kept adding to that lead, building a 32-18 advantage before Delaware State went on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Wilson, to narrow its deficit to 32-24. Coppin State responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Hornets trailing 34-24 heading into halftime.

After intermission, Delaware State cut its deficit to 38-30 before going on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Zulueta, to trim its deficit to 38-36 with 4:21 to go in the third. The Hornets were unable to cut further into the deficit, but did not cede ground to Coppin State either and entered the fourth quarter trailing 43-41. Delaware State played well near the basket, scoring 14 of its 17 points in the paint.

Coppin State kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 47-41 advantage before Delaware State went on a 7-0 run, finished off by Kiarra McElrath's three, to seize a 48-47 lead with 5:45 to go in the contest. Coppin State re-asserted control, outscoring the Hornets 17-3 the rest of the way to hand Delaware State the 64-51 loss. Delaware State took advantage of three Coppin State turnovers in the quarter, scoring four points off of those takeaways. The Delaware State defense forced 16 turnovers. Delaware State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
 

The Hornets return to action Monday, January 8 when they travel Morgan State University in continued MEAC Conference play. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.