DOVER, DE --Deywilk Tavarez scored 31 points to help lead the Delaware State men's basketball team past the Norfolk State Spartans 85-71 at home Saturday.

The Hornets (13-15, 6-6) had four players score in double figures, led by Tavarez, who had a double-double with 31 points and 10 assists. Jevin Muniz added 16 points, five assists and two steals and Martaz Robinson chipped in as well with 16 points, seven assists and three steals.

Delaware State utilized fantastic ball movement in Saturday's game, piling up 24 assists on 30 made field goals. Tavarez's 10 assists were the most for the Hornets.

Delaware State forced 17 Norfolk State turnovers while committing 15 themselves in Saturday's game. The Hornets turned those takeaways into 19 points on the offensive end of the floor. Tavarez's five steals led the way for Delaware State.

How It Happened

After jumping out to a 23-15 advantage, Delaware State went on a 9-0 run with 7:04 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Tavarez, to increase its lead to 32-15. The Hornets then added six points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 48-25 advantage. Delaware State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down seven shots to account for 21 of its 48 points.

Delaware State kept its lead intact before going on an 8-0 run to grow the lead to 78-54 with 3:51 to go in the contest. The Spartans narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Hornets still cruised the rest of the way for the 85-71 win. The Hornets shot well from three point range, knocking down 10 of 22 long range attempts. The Hornets put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 80 percent of made field goals.

Up Next...

The Hornets return home Monday, March 4 when they travel Howard University in continued MEAC Conference play. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.