BALTIMORE, Md. – Jephany Brown had a season-high 17 points to lead three in double figures as the Hampton University Lady Pirates clinched the third seed for the upcoming Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament with a 65-61 win over Coppin State on Thursday night.
 
With the win, Hampton (17-12, 11-5) will now play on Thursday at noon in the Norfolk Scope against the winner of the third game on Monday between the sixth and 11^th seeds.
 
In a contest that saw five ties, 13 lead changes and no one with more than a three-point lead for all but the final nine seconds of the second half, Hampton used free throws from Monnazjea Finney-Smith and K'Lynn Willis to ice the victory.  Finney-Smith hit one with nine seconds to go up 63-61 and then Willis stole the rebound from Chance Graham and hit one free throw with three seconds left for the final score.
 
Coppin State held a seven-point lead twice in the game, the last on a layup by Genesis Lucas with 6:14 left in the first half for a 26-19 advantage.  Hampton went on a 14-6 run to lead 33-32 on a 3-pointer by Brown with 57 seconds left.
 
Finney-Smith recorded her fourth double-double on the year with 13 points and 11 rebounds while chipping in four steals.  Willis added 15 points and four steals as Hampton forced 20 turnovers and recorded 14 steals.
 
From the floor, Hampton shot 20-of-59 (33.9%), was 7-of-23 from 3-point land (30.4%) and 18-of-31 from the foul line (58.1%).  Hampton outrebounded Coppin State 43-41.
 
For more information on Hampton University women's basketball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5906 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.