NORFOLK, VA --The Delaware State women's basketball team got a 16-point showing from the bench, but fell 77-45 to the Norfolk State Spartans on the road Saturday.

Ericka Huggins led the Hornets (4-21, 1-9) with 12 points, six rebounds and two steals. Jermesha Frierson added three points and eight rebounds and Nykesha Sanders helped out with four points, five assists and two steals.

Led by Huggins' four offensive rebounds, Delaware State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that resulted in 12 second chance points.

The Delaware State defense caused its share of mistakes in Saturday's game, forcing 15 Norfolk State turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 16 points on the other end of the floor. Huggins' two steals led the way individually for the Hornets.
 

How It Happened

After jumping out to a 9-7 advantage, Delaware State went on an 8-0 run with 4:47 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Huggins, to increase its lead to 17-7. The Hornets then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 17-14 advantage. Delaware State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 17 points.

The Hornets could not maintain their lead in the second quarter and entered halftime trailing 28-24.

Delaware State's deficit continued to grow after halftime, and the Hornets faced a 40-31 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter. Delaware State played well near the basket, scoring four of its seven points in the paint.

Norfolk State kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 52-35 advantage before Delaware State went on a 5-0 run, finished off by Sanders' layup, to shrink the deficit to 52-40 with 6:26 to go in the contest. Norfolk State responded and outscored the Hornets the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 77-45. Delaware State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 14 points in the paint.
 

Game Notes

» The Hornets shared the ball well, recording an assist on 62 percent of made baskets.
» The Delaware State bench came alive by adding 16 points to its scoring output.
» The Delaware State defense forced 15 turnovers.
» Delaware State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Ericka Huggins led the Hornets with 12 points.
» Delaware State got a game-high eight rebounds from Jermesha Frierson.

UP NEXT... The Hornets hit the road to take on Morgan State University on Saturday, February 21st, at 2:00 p.m.