The Morgan State Men’s Basketball team advanced to an 8-12 record on the season after defeating the Hampton University Pirates 94-92 in double overtime. With an intense battle going on all night in a packed Hill Field House Monday night the Bears were looking to stop the 11-10 Pirates 3 game winning streak. Fans were urged to arrive to the game early because the game was scheduled to be televised on ESPNU.
With help from the entire crowd especially the enthusiastic student section the “Live Squad” the Bears were able to keep up the fight and pull of the win.
Although the experienced Pirates fought hard the bears were able get the upper edge, being led by point guard Justin Black who had a game high of 26 points and Anthony Hubbard who had gained his fourth double double of the season with 18 points and 18 rebounds. The Pirates entered halftime leading the Bears 36-29, and after a hard fought second half Pirates Ramon Mercado saved his team with a 3-pointer to force the overtime. The first overtime was extended by Bears Donte Pretlow who had hit 2 necessary free throws to put the game into its second overtime. But as both teams were fighting as the game clock was quickly winding down. Then in the last seconds of the second overtime Hamptons Brian Darden knocked down a 3 pointer but it was too late and Morgan’s Shaquille Duncan put the game away with his last 2 foul shots as the Bears won 94-92. Junior Anissa Caldwell said “last night’s game was emotional for all Morganites. Everyone from students, other athletes, Greeks, and even faculty were in attendance. I definitely feel like we were one with the team. Our team is our family. We should support them win or lose.”
With a very penalty plagued game both teams combined for 79 fouls and 115 free throws. Throughout the game 6 of the Pirates players had fouled out and in the second overtime 4 of the Bears starters fouled out including Justin Black, Anthony Hubbard, Ian Chiles and Cedric Blossom. But the bench presence was helpful as even freshman Torin Childs-Harris saw some action and recorded his first five points on the season. The Bears shot 33 for 60 from the free throw line while the Pirates were 33 of 55.
But as students, staff and even other athletes came out to support many fans felt somewhat of a new sense of school spirit. Junior and also lacrosse captain Devin Richards said “It felt like last night Morgan State fans finally got to taste the meaning of true team spirit, we laughed, cheered, yelled and cried at times but in the end we came out on top.” So with the help from Morgan fans the Bears were able to record their 8th win on the season and now look to keep up the momentum as the Bears will take on the Norfolk State Spartans this Saturday at Hill Field House at 4pm.
