NORFOLK, Va. – When the hurt subsides and disappointment dissipates, the Delaware State men's basketball program will look back with pride on its memorable run to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) tournament championship game for the first time since 2015 despite a tough 70-67 setback to Howard at the Scope Arena Saturday.
The Hornets showcased their grit, tenacity, and toughness in making Howard earn its second straight MEAC tournament title. While the ending was sour for Delaware State, it can take solace in knowing that it has a solid foundation for sustained success.
"Giving credit and kudos to Kenny Blakeney and Howard University on their win today," Delaware State head men's basketball coach Stan Waterman said. "No shame in losing to that team although we're disappointed with the outcome. That's a championship team.
"I like to thank our guys who gave it their all this season and we turned the program around, got ourselves to a championship game, and gave ourselves to win. Unfortunately, we came up short today, but no question that with what we have, the future is bright. We hope to be back here next year."
Sophomore Jevin Muniz led Delaware State with a game-high 24 points. He made 9-of-21 shots and half of his eight 3-point shot attempts to earn a spot on the MEAC All-Tournament team. In also earning a spot on the MEAC All-Tournament team, Martaz Robinson added 16 points and eight rebounds. Freshman Deywilk Tavarez, who dazzled in the Hornets' first two tournament games, and Khyrie Staton scored eight points each.
"It's very different for me," Robinson said. "I was here when Delaware State was struggling, and the coach came in and changed the culture. We trusted him. Now, we have come here, and this is the furthest we have come. I am just grateful for that. I knew they were playing a box-in-one on Deywilk and I knew it would be hard for him and openings for me."
Jordan Hairston had 18 points to lead four Howard players in double figures. The Bison, the tournament's fourth seed, also got 16 points each from Seth Towns and Bryce Harris, and 15 from Marcus Dockery in the win.
Delaware State's defense limited Howard to six baskets in the second half and permitted 30 points. The difference was Howard attempted 22 foul shots in the second half, which was more than Delaware State shot for the entire game (19). The Bison were 18-for-22 from the foul line after intermission.
Delaware State showcased its resilience and competitive spirit in overcoming an early 10-point deficit. Trailing 40-34 at halftime, the Hornets, who had come from behind in their earlier wins in the quarterfinals and semifinals, rallied to seize a 42-40 edge with just under 17 minutes left.
"One of the biggest takeaways is to don't take it for granted and have energy every second of the game," Muniz said. "I feel that there were times when our energy dropped off and that was a big point. They outworked us at the beginning of the game, and we had to fight back the whole game. If we had more energy in the game, we could've been holding the trophy."
The Hornets weren't deterred even when the Bison increased their lead to 47-42. Instead, Muniz led a Hornet charge that gave his team a 50-49 edge with 13:10 showing. Delaware State grabbed a 55-49 lead following a Muniz 3-pointer and Robinson basket with 10:50 remaining but the seesaw battle continued and was deadlocked at 56-all after Harris made one of two from the line for Howard with 7:26 to play.
Following three ties, the last at 60-60 with 4:39 on the clock, Delaware State went over four minutes without a point as Howard took a 66-60 lead, one it would not relinquish. Delaware State could only get to within two, 68-66, the rest of the way.
The Hornets are rising. They won two games two years ago and finished with 15 victories this season. Delaware State simply ran out of time on the clock, but its performance during a week full of highlights and fun will last forever and will make for some great stories years from now during reunions.
"I am proud of this team and their effort today and what they did all year," Waterman said. "They came in to get better every day. I love the chemistry and bond we have, and they all get along well and trust each other. To beat two higher seeds and compete for a championship are more examples of the growth and development we are seeing with our program. We were right there and had an opportunity. It's hard to get this close. It will be motivation for us next year. We know what it feels like and what it takes."
