Dover, Del. (Jan. 21, 2012) --- Bethune-Cookman's Anthony Breeze scored the go-ahead basket with 18.5 seconds left to give the Wildcats a 60-59 win over Delaware State in Memorial Hall this evening. The Hornets committed a turnover on the ensuing possession, and was forced to foul with 2.9 seconds remaining.
Bethune-Cookman's Paul Scotland missed the front end of a one-and-one at the free throw line, but DSU could only get off a near half-court shot by Brandon Oliver that hit the back board as time expired.
Delaware State led by as many as nine points in the first half. And was ahead 27-22 at intermission.
The Hornets led 34-27 before the Wildcats fought back. Kevin Dukes capped off an 11-4 BCU ran with a three-pointer to tie the score at 38-38 with 12:13 left to play. Dukes scored nine points on three three-pointers during the spurt.
The score was 40-40 before Delaware State regained control. The Hornets opened up a 52-47 lead on a dunk by Marques Oliver with 5:56 remaining.
Bethune-Cookman responded with a 7-2 run, and forced the sixth tie of the game 54-54 on a free throw by Stanley Elliot with 3:30 left.
The Wildcats took their first lead of the game 58-56 on a lay in by Elliot with 1:02 remaining.
Delaware State answered with a three-pointer by Casey Walker on its next possession to regain the lead 59-58 with 41 ticks left.
On the ensuing possession Breeze fired up a shot near the free throw line that rattled on the rim several times before falling in to give the Wildcats a 60-59 lead.
Bethune-Cookman won for third straight time in the series, including two in a row at Delaware State.
Dukes tied for game-high scoring honors with 19 points for BCU. He 7-for-11 from the field, including 5-of-9 from three-point territory. Garrius Holloman came off the bench to add 13 points, while Adrien Coleman had a game-high 10 rebounds for the Wildcats.
Marques Oliver was high scorer for Delaware State with 19 points. He also had six rebounds, four assists and four blocks in the contest. Tahj Tate added 13 for the Hornets.
Bethune-Cookman was 22-for-47 from the field (46.8%), including 7-for-15 from three-point territory.
Delaware State hit 25 of its 51 shots from the floor (49.0%), including 5-of-16 from beyond the arc.
BCU won the rebound battle 28-25.
The Wildcats won their third straight game to improve to 8-12 overall and 5-1 in the MEAC. Delaware State lost its eighth in a row to fall to 4-11 and 1-3.
The Hornets will return to action on Monday against Florida A&M. Game time is 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
