Jameeka Smith scored a game-high 15 points and Katreem Palmer recorded a double-double to lead Delaware State to a 67-49 win over Morgan State in the quarterfinal round of the MEAC tournament at the RBC Center. The Lady Hornets (18-13), the number three seed, will take on the number two seed, Coppin State, in the semifinal round on Friday at 2:30 pm.
The game featured contrasting styles with Delaware State playing its deliberate style versus the up-and-down style of the Lady Bears, the number six seed. The Lady Hornets established the tempo early, not allowing Morgan State easy transition baskets while also forcing 13 turnovers that they converted into 15 of their 25 points.
“It’s kind of tough to play a team three times, especially a team of Morgan State’s caliber,” said Delaware State head coach Ed Davis. “They play a very aggressive brand of basketball and we had to be aware of that. Once we got the lead, I impressed upon my team how important it was to stay out in front.”
Smith was the beneficiary as she scored nine points in the low-scoring 25-15 halftime lead. The Lady Hornets defense forced Morgan State (19-12) into 18 missed shots on 25 attempts.
“The play of Jameka was key,” added Davis. “She inspired our team with her play. It got us going until other players stepped up.”
Delaware State twice increased the lead to 15 in the second half until Morgan State made a push during a run that cut the margin to 45-34 at the 12:03 mark. The Lady Bears then had a chance to get the margin to under double digits, but an attempted shot went in and came out. The Lady Hornets scored two quick baskets on ensuing possessions and Morgan State never recovered.
“We played hard and got to within 10 points, but they went to a zone and we did not recognize it. We missed a shot and had a turnover and that was big because they took advantage of it.”
Palmer, who scored 10 of her 12 points in the second half while also grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds and Ashlee Burbage, who came off the bench to score nine of her 12 after intermission picked up the slack in the second half to make sure that Delaware State advance to the semis.
A big part of the Delaware State’s game plan revolved around containing Morgan State’s all-conference guard Corin Adams, who was held scoreless in the first half and finished with nine points and seven turnovers.
“Adams is very tough; we knew we had to play good containment defense on her,” said Davis. “She is such a resilient player that we wanted to wear her down. I thought we did a pretty good job.”
Added Adams, “I thought I could have done a better job in getting the ball to my teammates before the traps came. I had seven turnovers. I have to improve in that area.”
Morgan State was led by Phylicia Jones who scored 12 as no other player reached double figures.
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