HAMPTON, VA – Hampton University men's basketball team picked up its first win in Big South Conference play following thrilling a overtime win over High Point University 68-64 on Saturday.
 
Forward Najee Garvin leads the Pirates, posting a double-double, with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Raymond Bethea Jr. also posts a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds and guard Russell Dean scores 13 points to help propel Pirates to victory.
 
Hampton opened the game on a 16-7 run in the first 5:01. Garvin would score the first eight points of the game for the Pirates. The Panthers would not go away easy, and traded baskets for the remainder of the half keeping the game close. Hampton and High Point shot 41.2 and 42.3 percent, respectively, as the Pirates found themselves leading 36-32 heading into halftime.
 
The Pirates relinquished the lead early in the second half, as both teams' offenses found it difficult to score the basketball. Hampton shot just 31.0 percent and High Point just 29.6 percent from the field in the second half. Hampton also ended the game outrebounding High Point by 19, limiting the opportunity for second chance points. With 2:31 remaining in regulation, Hampton found themselves down by 7, the largest lead for the High Point in the game. Following a Dajour Dickens' layup, tack on a free-throw by Bethea Jr., and a deep two by forward Marquis Godwin, the Pirates cut the lead to 60-58 with 30 seconds to go.
 
After an exchange of free-throw makes, two by High Point and one by Hampton, High Point found themselves up 62-59. However, Dean not only came up with a steal but scored the game-tying three pointer on the ensuing possession to tie the game at 62 with 11 seconds remaining. High Point would turn the ball over again via a charging foul with three seconds remaining in regulation. It would not amount to much, however, as Hampton could not convert the half court heave to win the game, sending the game to overtime.
 
In overtime, the Pirates held the Panthers to just one field goal make in the period. Powered by the defense, Hampton was able to put together just enough offense, featuring baskets by Dickens and Bethea Jr., and a couple free-throws by Dean sealed the 68-64 win for the Pirates.
 
Hampton returns to the hardwood Monday, January 24 to take on Longwood University at 6.pm. inside the HU Convocation Center.