Final Stats

BRONX, N.Y. – The Pirates of Hampton University used an explosive second half to get a 58-48 win on the road against the Rams of Fordham University on Friday at Rose Hill Gymnasium.

 

Hampton improved to 2-1 on the season, while the Rams dropped to 1-2.

 

“It was a tough game, but a good win for the team,” said Pirates head coach Ed Joyner. “They guys came out ready to play and they played tough defense tonight.”

 

Hampton was led by Darrion Pellum (19), Charles Funches (12), and Kwame Morgan (12), who combined for 43 of the Pirates' 58 points on the night.

 

There were eight lead changes throughout the game, but Morgan hit a 3-pointer for the top of the key to put the Pirates up 38-37 with 12:10 remaining in the contest. Fordham would get as close as two points on two difference occasions and the Pirates led by as many as 12 points in the second half en route to their second straight win.

 

The Pirates scored 33 points in the second half, as they shot 46 percent, making 12-of-26 shots taken. Funches scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half alone. Hampton was also 6-for-11 from the charity stripe, as they shot an impressive 54 percent in the second half.

 

Hampton shot 42 percent from the floor, making 23 of 54 and 47 percent from the charity stripe.

 

The Pirates defense forced 21 turnovers by the Rams and had 12 steals. Due to its defensive presence, Hampton scored 22 points off turnovers and dominated the paint, scoring 32 points down low.

 

Fordham shot just 32 percent, making just 16 of 50 shots from the floor. The Rams did grab 50 rebounds (20 on offense), but they were unable to withstand Hampton's second-half performance.

 

“Fordham is a very big team and we knew coming in the game that rebounding was going to be an issue,” Joyner said, “but we make more shots and were able to come out on top.”

 

The Pirates will now head to Washington, D.C. as they play their final two games in the Dick's Sporting Good's NIT Season Tip-Off. On Monday, Hampton will face Boston University at 5:30 p.m., before taking on host George Washington at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

 

For more information on Hampton University basketball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.