DOVER, DE-The South Carolina State men's basketball team look to seek a season sweep over the Hornets of Delaware State Saturday (Jan.30) at Memorial Hall. Tipoff is 4 p.m.
THE SERIES: South Carolina State leads the series 55-30 over Delaware State. This is the second meeting this season between the two teams. South Carolina State won the first contest 90-79 on Jan.16 in Orangeburg, S.C. Delaware State rallied from a 24-point second half deficit to tie the score late in the contest, but faltered down the stretch. South Carolina State's Ed Stephens led all players with 22 points, highlighted by seven three-point field goals. South Carolina State has lost its last four games in Memorial Hall since a 69-52 win at DSU on Jan. 10, 2009.
THE GAME: The Bulldogs look to climb among the top in the MEAC race against a hot and talented Delaware State. Delaware State (3-17; 2-4 MEAC) seeks its third straight win in a MEAC after knocking off N.C. A&T and last season's regular season champion the Eagles of North Carolina Central 71-60 at Memorial Hall.
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE(11-11; 6-2 MEAC) has won six of its last seven games, including a 67-62 victory at MEAC leader Hampton to hand the Pirates their first conference loss this past Monday. Eric Eaves came off the bench to lead the Bulldogs with 18 points in the contest, highlighted by eight-for-11 shooting from the field, including two-of-three on three-point shots. Eaves is sixth in the MEAC in scoring at 16.4 points per game. Guard Ed Stephens is second on the team and 10th in the MEAC in scoring (13.8 ppg), and is tops in the league in three-pointers (62) and three-point percentage (.434). South Carolina State is fourth in the current MEAC standings (6-2), but just one game behind first place Hampton.
DELAWARE STATE suddenly came alive Hornets after posting a 71-60 victory over North Carolina Central on Wednesday for their second straight win. DeAndre Haywood led three Hornets in double-figures with 20 points to bolt back into the team scoring lead at 10.7 points per game. Kavon Waller came off the bench to score a career-high 19 points vs. NCCU. Waller was seven-for-11 from the field, including three-of-five from three-point territory in the game. Swingman Dana Raysor chipped in with 15 points, highlighted by three three-point field goals. Freshman guard Devin Morgan is second on the Hornets in scoring at 10.5 points per game and is tied with Haywood for the team lead with 49 assists. Freshman center Demola Onifade is the leader on the boards with 3.5 rebounds and 22 blocks.
For more information on South Carolina State Athletics log ontowww.scsuathletics.comor call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.
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