image via of the MEAC
48
DSU
55
Winner UMES
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSU | 8 | 14 | 15 | 11 | 48 |
| UMES | 13 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 55 |
In the opening quarterfinal round of the 2026 MEAC Homecoming Tournament, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore earned a 55-48 win against Delaware State to move on to the semifinals for the second straight year under head coach Malikah Willis.
The Hawks jumped out to a 1-0 lead 16 seconds into the game on a Dayshawn Carter free throw and boxed out the Hornets for the first 5:22 as UMES took a 6-0 lead that was punctuated by a Brianna Barnes three pointer. Though Delaware State got on the board after the five-minute mark, the Hawks maintained a hold on their lead as Desi Taylor closed out the first quarter the same as it started, with another free throw for a 13-8 UMES lead.
The second quarter opened with a three from Delaware State to cut the lead to two, but LaineyAllen quickly followed up with a layup to extend the lead to four for the Hawks. Allen continued to push the Hawks forward with another layup before it was matched by the Hornets three minutes in as UMES maintained a 17-13 lead. Though the next two minutes were a 4-4 draw between each side, UMES scored the next five points from the charity stripe with Dakieran Turner, Ashanti Lynch and Allen each knocking down free throws to take a 26-17 lead with 3:47 remaining. Delaware State scored the next five points, but UMES closed the half with a jumper from Kaliya Perry to take a 28-22 lead into the break.
To open the third quarter, Delaware State cut the Hawks’ lead down to one before UMES responded with a free throw and follow up jumper from Barnes to maintain the team’s lead, 31-27. The remainder of the third quarter remained close despite UMES taking a five-point lead with 1:46 remaining before the Hornets cut the Hawks’ lead to one, 38-37, at the end of the third.
For the first time in the game, Delaware State took the lead to begin the fourth quarter on a quick layup. Offensive efforts slowed on both sides before Carter retook the lead, 41-40, for UMES at the 6:02 mark on a pair of free throws. From there, Barnes took over as she scored a free throw before dropping in back-to-back layups on drives to the basket to take a 46-40 lead. The Hornets cut into the UMES lead, coming as close as three points away at the 1:58 mark and again with 36 seconds remaining, but the Hawks’ defense held firm as they knocked down free throws for the final five points of the game.
Brianna Barnes led all players with 17 points. She also added four rebounds, three steals and a pair of assists in the effort to help lead UMES.
Ericka Huggins led the Hornets with nine points, seven rebounds and four steals. Jermesha Frierson tacked on eight points, five assists and five steals and Nevaeh Reaves helped out with nine points for Delaware State
UMES will play the winner of Norfolk State-Morgan State quarterfinal game from Thursday on Friday at 2 p.m. in the Scope Arena.
