HAMPTON, Va. - The Pirates of Hampton did not open conference play the way it hoped Thursday night at the HU Convocation Center, falling 65-49 to conference newcomer Savannah State.
 
The Pirates, who seemed like they couldn't get anything going throughout the game, made just 14 shots, shooting 30 percent from the floor and going 0-for-12 from 3-point range.
 
Savannah State (3-5, 1-0 MEAC) picked up its first-ever win over Hampton in three meetings. The crowd of 2,653 in the Hampton Convocation Center saw SSU's Deric Rudolph hit five 3-pointers as he scored a game-high 21 points.

Savannah State made 50 percent of their field goals in the first half while Hampton struggled in the second half, making only 6 of 24 shots from the floor.

The Pirates (3-4, 0-1 MEAC) went almost 15 minutes in the second half without making a field goal. After being down 39-26 at the half, the Pirates battled back to within three points when senior Darrion Pellum nailed a jumper at the 15:56 mark to cut Savannah State's lead to 39-36 and cap a 10-0 run to open the second half.

For the complete story, visit www.hamptonpirates.com or www.ssuathletics.com