A late second half surge gave the Delaware State Hornets control as they ran away from the Hampton Pirates for a big 67-58. The win kept the Hornets in the title race improving to 6-3 in the MEAC (9-12), while the Pirates two game win streak came to an end, falling to 7-2 in the MEAC (13-8).

It was a see saw battle that provided eight ties and seven lead changes. Although the Pirates shot a blistering 55 percent from the field in the first half, it was the Hornets who took the early 31-30 halftime lead while managing 48 percent from the floor.

Both teams continued to exchange baskets in the second half. Hampton guard Rashad West hit a deep 3-pointer with 8:25 left to give the Pirates a 49-47 lead. But DSU’s Frisco Sandidge tied the game at 49 with a jumper with more than seven minutes left in the game.

With 6:03 remaining, the Hornets took the game’s final lead following an old fashion three-point play by Joe Dickens, 54-51. The Hornets sealed the victory behind the charity stripe connecting on 8-of-11 free throws down the strength and outscoring the Pirates 13-7.

Four players scored in double figures for the Hornets including Roy Bright (18), Sandidge (12), Donald Johnson (13) and Dickens (12).

The Pirates were paced by Rashad West who led all scorers with 19 points.