Pellum scores 19 as Hampton defeats Norfolk State 73-70 in MEAC quarterfinals

Hampton beats Norfolk State 73-70 in MEAC tourney

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Darrion Pellum scored 19 points to lead Hampton to a 73-70 victory over Norfolk State in the quarterfinals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament on Thursday night.

Vincent Simpson added 18 points and four assists for the Pirates (14-17), who have won six games a row. Charles Funches chipped in with 11 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals off the bench.

Two free throws from Pellum gave the Pirates a 73-70 lead with 26 seconds left in the game. The Spartans (11-19) had a chance to tie, but Norfolk State shot 0-for-3 on their final possession, including missed 3-pointers from Kyle O’Quinn and Brandon Wheeless.

Michael Deloach led Norfolk State with 21 points and six assists. Rob Hampton added 20 points.

No. 5 seed Hampton will take on No. 1 seed Morgan State in a semifinal game on Friday.