MEMORIAL HALL, --Robert Smith totaled 26 points and Kaseem Watson added 21 and the Delaware State men's basketball team knocked off the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks 75-68 at home Thursday.

The Hornets (16-13, 8-6) had four players score in double figures, led by Smith, who had 26 points and five steals. Watson added 21 points, six rebounds and two steals and Ponce James helped out with 12 points, five assists and two steals.

Delaware State out-rebounded Maryland-Eastern Shore 28-26 in Thursday's game, led by Watson's six boards.

Delaware State did a great job disrupting Maryland-Eastern Shore shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Muneer Newton's two rejections led the way individually for the Hornets.

How It Happened

Delaware State started out the scoring by going on a 12-0 run, culminating in a bucket from Smith, to take an early lead with 13:51 left in the first half. The Hornets then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 38-34 advantage. Delaware State took advantage of eight offensive rebounds to score eight second chance points out of 38 total in the period

Delaware State kept its lead intact before going on an 8-0 run to grow the lead to 69-60 with 2:19 to go in the contest. The Hawks narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Hornets still cruised the rest of the way for the 75-68 win.

Game Notes

» Delaware State never trailed on the way to a 75-68 victory.
» Robert Smith, Kaseem Watson, and Ponce James combined to account for 79 percent of the Hornets points.
» Delaware State had a 28-26 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Delaware State defense forced 16 turnovers.
» The Hornets were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording five blocks as a team.
» Robert Smith had a game-high 26 points and Kaseem Watson added 21.
» Delaware State got a game-high six rebounds from Kaseem Watson.