Hampton, Va. – Roy Bright and Jahsha Bluntt combined for 46 points as the Hornets of Delaware State knocked down 13 three-pointers to put an end to Hampton’s five-game winning streak and complete the season sweep of the Pirates with an 81-74 win at the HU Convocation Center. The Hornets who start three seniors and two juniors were able to use their experience down the stretch to edge the young Pirates who start four freshmen.
Five minutes into the game Delaware State held a 12-11 advantage before the Pirates mounted an 8-0 run in a minute and a half, led by freshman Matt Pilgrim who got things started with a three-pointer from the corner. He added two free throws on the next possession and Rashad West followed with a three-point play of his own to give Hampton a 19-12 lead.
The Pirates would lead for most of the first half, going ahead by as many as 12, 27-15, on Vincent Simpson’s second three-pointer with just over 10 minutes to play before the half. However, the Hornets answered with three quick three-pointers of their own and their final long ball came from Darrin Shine with four seconds to go, giving DSU a 43-40 lead at the break.
The second half was a classic case of punch and counterpunch as the visiting Hornets answered every challenge from the Pirates. Bright came out on fire hitting three consecutive three-pointers to increase the DSU cushion to 52-46. Hampton responded with a three-point play from Pilgrim and Theo Smalling put back a missed jumper by Simpson to draw Hampton to within one.
Yet once again the Hornets responded with a shot from deep. Guarded closely by Pilgrim and with the shot clock winding down, Bluntt calmly sank a three from the right wing. Darrin Shine’s back-to-back three-pointers from the corner gave the Hornets a little breathing room at 70-65 with 4:32 to play.
Pilgrim’s defensive play accounted to the Pirates next basket as he stole the ball from Bluntt and fed the reigning MEAC Rookie of the Week Mike Freeman for a breakaway layup and a three-point play. However, the Pirates went 1-for-7 from the field over the final three minutes and Bluntt’s uncontested dunk with 28 seconds remaining sealed the win for Delaware State
The Pirates came within one or two points of tying the game or taking the lead 10 times in the second half but the Hornets never folded, making seven of their 13 three-pointers after intermission.
Bright led all scorers with 26 points and the Hornets got 20 points from Bluntt, while Kyle White came off the bench to go 4-for-4 for 10 points to help the DSU reserves outscore Hampton 23-5.
Pilgrim led the Pirates with 24 points and Rashad West managed to score 18 despite going 5-of-14 from the floor. Freeman chipped in with 15 points and four rebounds.
