DOVER, Del. – Ramon Mercado scored 12 points in 15 minutes off the bench and Hampton edged Delaware State 57-50 Monday night in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play.
Deron Powers added 11 points and Emmanuel Okoroba 10. Both grabbed seven rebounds apiece for the Pirates, who managed a 38-27 rebounding advantage.
Hampton (12-15, 9-4) trailed 26-22 at halftime but outscored Delaware State 35-24 in the second half to complete the rally.
The Pirates outshot Delaware State 40 percent (21 of 52) to 31 percent (18 of 58) and held the Hornets (12-15, 7-6) to just three 3-pointers on 20 attempts.
Marques Oliver and Justin May scored 11 each for the Hornets, who also fell to Hampton 85-84 on Feb. 11. Oliver was strong defensively, posting eight blocks and two steals.
Hampton has won six of its last eight games, with both loses coming by a combined 10 points.
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