MEMORIAL HALL, --Martaz Robinson scored 26 points and Robert Smith added 20 and the Delaware State men's basketball team defeated the Coppin State Eagles 83-79 at home Saturday.

Robinson and Smith's stellar scoring performances led the Hornets (15-12, 7-5) in the contest. Robinson tacked on six steals and Smith added two steals. Kaseem Watson also helped out with 12 points, six rebounds and two steals.

Delaware State forced 19 Coppin State turnovers while committing 15 themselves in Saturday's game. The Hornets turned those takeaways into 25 points on the offensive end of the floor. Robinson's six steals led the way for Delaware State.

How It Happened

After playing to a 30-30 tie, Delaware State went on a 9-0 run with 3:03 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Robinson, to take a 39-30 lead. The Hornets then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 39-31 advantage. Delaware State capitalized on 13 Coppin State turnovers in the period, turning them into 18 points on the other end of the floor.

Delaware State kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run to grow the lead to 78-70 with 2:09 to go in the contest. The Eagles narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Hornets still held on for the 83-79 win. Delaware State took care of business in the paint, recording 30 of its 44 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» The Hornets shot well from three point range, knocking down five of 12 long range attempts.
» Delaware State never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» The Delaware State defense forced 19 turnovers.
» Martaz Robinson led the Hornets with 26 points and Robert Smith added 20.
» Delaware State got a team-high seven rebounds from Muneer Newton.