Final Stats

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University men's basketball team shot 54 percent from the free throw line, making just 17 of 31 shots from the charity stripe as the Pirates lost their first home game 55-53 to Delaware at the HU Convocation Center Wednesday night.

 

With the loss, the Pirates dropped to 7-2 on the season, while the Blue Hens improved to 4-2.

 

“Free throws down the stretch are what hurt us,” said Pirates head coach Ed Joyner. “We did everything we wanted to do defensively tonight, but we didn't hit free throws.”

 

The first half was a defense battle that was highlighted by a 3-pointer at the buzzer by junior guard Mike Tuitt to take the Pirates into the half with a 29-25 lead.

 

Hampton's defense did what it has been doing all season, as the Pirates held the Blue Hens to just 27 percent shooting, making only eight of 29 shots taken. The Pirates also scored 14 points in the paint while out-rebounding Delaware 22-20.

 

The Pirates were led by junior guard Darrion Pellum and senior forward Charles Funches with 10 points each in the first half, while the Blue Hens were led by Jawan Carter with eight points.

 

Hampton made its first two baskets in the second half and things seemed to go the Pirates way, but the Blue Hens were not going out without a fight.

 

The Pirates would go up by eight points on three different occasions in the second half, before the Blue Hens tied the game up at 51-51 with 3:10 remaining in the ball game. Delaware took its first lead of the second half with 52 seconds left to play with the score 53-51. Both teams would exchange free throws from that point.

 

The Pirates made just two free throws down the stretch, but it was not enough as Pellum's final shot attempt fell short at the buzzer.

 

Hampton shot just 35 percent from the floor, making 17 of 38 shots and scored 26 points in the paint and 14 off the bench. The Pirates were led by Pellum with 17 points, Funches with 16 and Tuitt with 12 points.

 

The Blue Hens were led by Josh Brinkley, who scored a game-high 18 points; he was assisted by Carter's 15 points.

 

“This is a tough loss, but we have to learn and grow from this so that we can get better,” Joyner said, “and now we know how it feels to lose a game like this and it is not something that we want face again.”

 

The Pirates will take some time off to focus on finals and be back in action on Monday, Dec. 20, when they host the Tigers of Towson University at 7 p.m. 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.