HORNETS WIN MEAC CHAMPIONSHIP
11 March, 2005
Richmond, VA --- The Delaware State men's basketball team is the 2005 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champions!!! The Hornets defeated Hampton 55-53 to win the first MEAC Tournament championsip in team history in a nationally-televised game (ESPN2) at the Richmond Coliseum on Saturday. Aaron Williams hit a follow-up jumper with 1.6 seconds left for the game-winning basket. Hampton's inbound pass on the ensuing possession was intercepted as time expired, touching off a wild celebration by the Hornets and their fans. The tournament championship means Delaware State will represent the MEAC in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. The Hornets will learn their NCAA Tournament opponent and destination on Sunday. Delaware State trailed by as many as 13 points in the first half, but used a 9-0 run to cut the Pirates' lead to 25-21 at the break. Hampton opened up a nine point lead in the second half, but could not put the Hornets away. Jahsha Bluntt capped off a 16-6 run with a three-pointer to give DSU a 48-47 lead with 5:11 left to play. Hampton responded with a 6-0 run, and pulled ahead 53-48 on a three-pointer by Jeff Granger with 1:53 remaining. After a three-pointer by Terrance Hunter cut Hampton's lead to 53-50, the Hornets forced a turnover, and Bluntt nailed another three with 1:13 left to tie the game. Hampton failed to score on its next possesion to set up the Williams' heroics. Delaware State's Bruce Davis missed three-point attempt from the right baseline, but the ball was tipped by Bluntt into the hands of Williams, who hit a shot just shy of the free throw line. Bluntt was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after scoring a team-high 16 points in the final. Sophomore point guard Darrin Shine was also named to the All-Tournament Team. Delaware State tied school records by winning its eighth straight and 19th game overall this season. The Hornets are also the first team in school history to qualify for a NCAA championship tournament.
Not 2 mention we was number 1 on standings before the tournament. Then Saturday we took it home baby!!!!!!! back to dover HOLLA progress is a slow progress but the hard work was well paid off da we been working hard for this the past two years and now its ours HHHHOOOORRRRNNNNEEEETTTTSSSS
