Simpson scores 14 of his 16 in second half to help Hampton defeat Florida A&M 70-61

Simpson propels Hampton past Florida A&M 70-61

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Vincent Simpson scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half and Hampton defeated Florida A&M 70-61 on Monday night.

The Pirates (10-17, 6-8 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) held the Rattlers to 35.7 percent shooting (10 of 28) in the second half, after Florida A&M shot 53.8 percent in the first (14 of 26).

The Rattlers (7-20, 4-10) committed 13 of their 15 turnovers in the second half, while dishing out just four of their 12 assists.

Hampton pulled away with eight straight points after Cecil Bent’s jumper put Florida A&M up 48-46 with 12:53 to go.

Simpson’s three-point play capped the run, putting the Pirates up for good at 54-48 with 9:29 remaining.

Michael Freeman chipped in 12 points and 11 assists and Charles Funches added 13 points for Hampton.

Amin Stevens paced the Rattlers with 14 points and Yannick Crowder added 12.