WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the second time in less than two days, a comeback attempt by the Hampton University men's basketball team came up short. On the road Wednesday night, the Pirates battled back from as many as 12 points down in the second half, but American still came away with the 74-72 win at Bender Arena.

“We never gave up,” said Pirates head coach Edward Joyner Jr. “Even when we cut the lead to two points, and they went on a run to get back up by 10 points, we still kept with our game, but sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way.”

Hampton (4-6), which forced 20 turnovers and shot 50 percent (30-for-59) from the floor for the first time this season, was able to show their presence inside, as they scored 42 points in the paint.

“We did everything that we wanted to do tonight defensively and offensively,” Joyner said, “but just could not pull it out in the end, but we will work harder and get better.”

The difference in the game came down to the charity stripe, as the Eagles (8-2) shot 29 free throws to the Pirates' nine. American was 17-for-29 from the charity stripe.

Hampton finished the game with four players in double figures, led by senior guard Darrion Pellum (Hampton, Va.), who scored a game-high 25 points, while junior forward David Bruce (Linden, N.J.) scored 14 in the middle and senior guards Mike Tuitt (Bronx, N.Y.) and Christopher Tolson (Laurel, Md.) scored 10 each for the Pirates.

American was guided by Charles Hinkle, who finished with 24 points, and Tory Brewer added 19 points in the win.

In the first half, the Eagles came out with the hot hand, shooting 57 percent (12-for-21) from the floor and an outstanding 7-for-10 from behind the arc. Hinkle was a perfect 4-for-4 from 3-point range in the first half, as American went into the half with a 40-35 lead.

Hampton was not going to be outdone, as the Pirates shot 55 percent (15-for-27) from the floor and 4-for-8 from behind the arc. Pellum and Tolson led the Pirates with 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the first half.

The Pirates will take some time off for final exams, before their next game on Dec. 17; Hampton will be back on the road, traveling to Lynchburg, Va. to take on Liberty 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.