The Hampton Pirates’ undefeated string in the MEAC and at the HU Convocation Center came to an end on Monday, thanks to a 64-57 loss to the Morgan State Bears. With the win the Bears replace the Pirates at the league’s top position with a 6-1 record in the MEAC, 11-8 overall.

The loss ended a six-game win streak for the Pirates that dates back to Dec. 29 and drops them to second place in the MEAC with a 5-1 league record and a 11-7 overall mark.

“No one player lost the game for us,” said HU head coach Kevin Nickelberry. “We didn’t make the plays down the stretch. Free throws were the tale of the tape.”

The Pirates trailed most of the first half but kept it close giving up their biggest lead of seven (13-6) at the 12:44 mark. Both teams traded baskets throughout the half with the Bears edging out the Pirates down the stretch to take the one point lead, 27-26, by the halftime break.

As a team, Morgan State out-rebounded the Pirates 45-to-38. The Bears hit 78.2 percent of their shots from the free throw line while the Pirates connected on just 59.3 percent of their shots.

Three players scored in double-figures for the Bears, including Jamar Smith, 23 points, Boubacar Coly, 12, and Holmes, 10. Coly added 12 rebounds.

Sophomore forward Mike Freeman posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, both team highs. Rashad West, Vincent Simpson and Brandon Tunnell scored nine points apiece.