LIVE FROM MEMORIAL HALL – Kiarra Mcelrath put on a show, leading the Delaware State Hornets to a commanding 77-56 victory over South Carolina State on Saturday. Mcelrath dropped 20 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and swiped three steals, fueling Delaware State’s first conference win of the season.
The Hornets (5-19, 1-9 MEAC) had a trio of players in double figures. Ericka Huggins was a force in the paint, recording a double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Najah Lane contributed 15 points and two steals to the effort.
The battle on the boards belonged to Delaware State, as they outrebounded South Carolina State (40-34), with Huggins leading the way. The Hornets also turned up the pressure on defense, forcing 16 turnovers and converting those into 19 points.
How It Happened
The game started with South Carolina State grabbing a 4-2 lead, but Delaware State quickly responded. A 7-0 run at the 7:54 mark of the first quarter, capped by a bucket from Mcelrath, pushed the Hornets ahead 9-4. Despite a late Bulldogs push, Delaware State held onto an 18-17 lead after the first frame.
In the second quarter, the Hornets extended their lead. After building a 27-21 advantage, an 8-0 surge, sparked by Najah Lane, stretched their control to 35-21. At halftime, Delaware State went to the locker room up 40-25, having forced five turnovers and capitalizing with six points off those mistakes.
Coming out of the break, the Hornets stayed in command. They held a 55-42 lead heading into the final period, dominating inside with eight of their 15 third-quarter points coming in the paint.
In the closing quarter, Delaware State removed any doubt with a 7-0 run, widening the gap to 64-47 with under two minutes to play. The Hornets’ bench provided a strong lift, chipping in seven of their 22 fourth-quarter points to seal the 77-56 triumph.
Game Notes
- Ericka Huggins dominated with a double-double (19 points, 15 rebounds).
- The Hornets held the Bulldogs to just 31.6% shooting from the field.
- Delaware State never trailed after taking an 18-17 lead in the first quarter.
- The Hornets forced 16 turnovers while committing just 11 giveaways.
- Kiarra Mcelrath led all Delaware State scorers with 20 points.
Next Up
The Hornets are back in action on Monday, February 24th, as they host NCCU at 5:30 p.m. Stay tuned for more live coverage as Delaware State looks to build on this momentum!
