MEMORIAL HALL, --The Delaware State men's basketball team kept NJIT to just 18.5 percent from beyond the arc in a 5-for-27 shooting performance on the way to a 71-59 victory against the Highlanders at home Wednesday.

The Hornets (5-6) had two players score in double figures, led by Robert Smith, who had 27 points and six rebounds. Martaz Robinson tacked on 10 points and eight rebounds and Muneer Newton added eight points and eight rebounds.

Led by Newton's five offensive rebounds, Delaware State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 20 boards that resulted in 14 second chance points.

Delaware State's defense held NJIT to only 18.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 32.1 percent from the field. The Hornets also limited Tariq Francis to 2-of-10 shooting from downtown in the game. The Highlanders did not have much luck cleaning up their misses on the offensive glass either, as they finished with eight offensive rebounds and managed 12 second chance points while Delaware State cleared 34 defensive rebounds.
 

How It Happened

After falling behind 13-8, Delaware State went on a 12-0 run with 10:34 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Raymond Somerville, to take a 20-13 lead. The Hornets then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 36-30 advantage. Delaware State did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 18 of its 36 points close to the basket.

Delaware State kept its lead intact before going on a 7-0 run to grow the lead to 43-33 with 18:25 to go in the contest. The Hornets kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 71-59 win. Delaware State took care of business in the paint, recording 20 of its 35 points in the lane.
 

Game Notes

» The Hornets held the Highlanders to only 32.1 percent shooting from the field.
» Delaware State never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Delaware State had a stellar day defensively, holding NJIT to 19 percent from beyond the arc on 27 attempts.
» Delaware State had a 54-32 edge on the boards in the win.
» Delaware State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 20 offensive boards in the game.
» Delaware State got a game-high nine rebounds from Caleb Surgers.