Dover, Del. (Feb. 17, 2018) --- The Delaware State men's basketball team added another chapter in its frustrating season, coughing  up a four-point lead in the final 79 seconds of a 66-63 MEAC loss to Florida A&M  in Memorial Hall today.

The Rattlers won for the second time in the last three games to improve to 6-23 overall and 5-8 in the MEAC. The Hornets dropped their 21st game in a row to fall to 2-25 and 0-12.

After trailing 37-30 at the break, Delaware State started strong in the second half to pull ahead. The Hornets scored the first 12 points of the half, and opened up a 42-37 lead on a jumper by Artem Tavakalyan with 14:22 left to play.

Three-pointers by Marquis Collins and Kavon Waller, and a jumper by Jonathan Walker on consecutive possessions gave DSU a 54-47 lead at the 7:22 mark of the second half.

Florida A&M answered with an 8-0 run, and regained the lead, 55-54, on a lay-up by Desmond Williams with 4:23 remaining in the game.

Delaware State scored seven of the next nine points, and opened up a 61-57 lead on a Collins lay-up with 1:24 left.

Florida A&M scored on its next two possessions and pulled ahead for good, on a three-ball by Justin Ravenel with 40 seconds showing on the second half clock.  

The Rattlers led 64-63 with the ball, but committed a turnover with just less than seven seconds left. The Hornets, however, could not take advantage.

Williams hit two more free throws for the Rattlers with 1.7 second remaining.

A desperation attempt from beyond half court by DSU's Collins fell short, giving Florida A&M a two-game sweep against the Hornets this season.

Ravenel led four Florida A&M players in double figures with a game-high 20 points, while Williams added 19 for the Rattlers.

Collins was high scorer for Delaware State with 18 points, highlighted by a career-best five three-point field goals (5-8).  Walker chipped in 11 points for the Hornets.

The Hornets return to action at home on Monday (Feb. 19) against Coppin State. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.