Pirates Secure Conference Victory Defeating Delaware 83-77

Saturday, January 11

Hampton, Va.

2:00 PM

Hampton University

9-8,2-3CAA

Delaware

9-8,2-2CAA

Team	1	2	F
Delaware	35	42	77
Hampton	45	38	83

Photo by: Nelson Cheeseman

Pirates Secure Conference Victory Defeating Delaware 83-77

1.11.25 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 11, 2025) … Hampton University men's basketball team defeated the Delaware Blue Hens 83-77. The Pirates were able to hold the Blue Hens to 33.3 percent shooting from three and only gave up six threes to one of the best three-point shooting teams in the Coastal Athletic Association. Coach Ivan Thomas's side also amassed a massive advantage on the glass, out-rebounding the Delaware 45-21. The Pirates tallied 16 offensive boards that led to 20 second-chance points.

Tyler Rice got the Pirates offense started with an early three. Both sides struggled early to take control of the contest. Before the first media timeout, the lead exchange ownership twice. Daniel Johnson's early bucket and tip-in layup gave HU the advantage 7-6. While George Beale Jr. made a shot from beyond the arc, Delaware tied it up 9-9.

Coming out of the first media timeout, Hampton led the rest of the contest. The Pirates went on a 14-2 run taking their first double-digit advantage of the contest 25-13. During this stretch, Trevor Smith was crucial for Coach Thoams's side. Smith rattled off nine straight points providing an offensive spark off the bench. The Newport News, Va. native finished the game with a career-high 16 points.

Toward the end of the half, Delaware rallied back to make it a four-point game. The Blue Hens took advantage of turnovers committed by Hampton. However, the Pirates found their stride once again by producing second chances with offensive rebounds and Beale Jr. making shots. The Suffolk, Va. native finished the first frame with nine points on 4-for-7 shooting from the field. Hampton's first half efforts on the offensive glass led to 10 second-chance points. The Pirates headed into the half up 45-35.

Coach Thomas's squad began the final 20 minutes of the contest on a strong start. The Pirates were able to build upon their advantage gained in the first frame. Hampton continued to have success on the offensive glass and limited the Blue Hens' second-chance opportunities. HU doubled its second-chance points scoring 10 more in the second half.

The Pirates had their largest lead of the game 63-45 at the 12:13 mark. Delaware once again was able to shrink Hampton's lead. The Blue Hens started to connect from beyond the arc going 5-for-12 from three in the second stanza. After a and-one layup by Delaware, HU held onto a five-point advantage 64-59.

Down the stretch, Wayne Bristol Jr. came up clutch for Hampton. Bristol Jr. had nine points in the second half while going 3-for-4 from the field. The Upper Marlboro, Md. native Also finished the contest with seven rebounds. With Hampton making their free throws down the stretch, the Pirates secured the 83-77 victory over the Blue Hens.

Beale Jr., Smith, Rice, and Kyrese Mullen all finished the contest in double figures. Beale Jr. finished with a team-high 18 points on 57 percent shooting. Mullen tallied a double-double grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds and 14 points.

Hampton returns to action on Thursday, Jan. 16 against William & Mary. Thursday night's contest will be inside the Convocation Center and tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.