Greensboro, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2010) --- The Delaware State men's basketball team was looking to match its season-high for consecutive wins, but North Carolina A&T spoiled the plan with a 65-54 win over the Hornets at the Corbett Sports Center this afternoon.
The loss snapped a three-game win streak for DSU, which fell to 11-9 overall and 6-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The Hornets were in sole possession of second place in the league standings entering the contest. North Carolina A&T improved to 8-15 and 4-5 in conference play.
The Aggies were 23-for-41 from the field (56.1%), including 8-of-14 from three-point territory (57.1%). Robert Johnson led four NCA&T players in double figures with 17 points. Johnson was perfect on six shots from the floor, including two three-pointers. Dwane Joshua had 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting for the Aggies. His performance included four three-point baskets. Thomas Coleman recorded a double-double for the hosts, tallying 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Marcus Neal was the only Delaware State player in double figures with 16 points. His performance included four three-point baskets. Neal has at least one three-pointer in each game this season.
The Aggies scored the first six points of the game, but the Hornets rallied to take a 17-12 lead on a follow-up basket by Marques Oliver with 10:06 left in the first half. Oliver, from nearby Durham, N.C., came off the bench to lead DSU with 10 rebounds.
North Carolina A&T used a 15-5 run later in the half to take a 30-26 lead at intermission.
Delaware State pulled to within 30-28 on a basket by Neal to start the second half, the Aggies answered with a 17-6 run, and opened up a 47-34 lead on a lay up by James Porter with 10:57 left to play.
Delaware State cut the Aggies' lead to eight on two occasions in the second half; the last time on a three-pointer by Neal to make it 52-44 with 5:05 remaining in the game. The Hornets could get no closer the rest of the way.
DSU will wrap up its two-game road swing at Norfolk State Monday evening.
