Preview: Coppin State Eagles at Delaware State Hornets

LEIPSIC, Del. (Interstat) — Two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men’s basketball teams seeking a reset will meet Saturday when the Delaware State Hornets host the Coppin State Eagles at Memorial Hall.

The game marks the conference opener for both squads, offering a chance to move past difficult non-conference slates. Delaware State (5-9) enters with marginally more momentum, having secured three wins in its last five outings, including an overtime victory against in-state foe Delaware on Dec. 6. Coppin State (2-14) carries a seven-game losing streak into Leipsic, having last won on Nov. 25.

The Hornets are led by forward Miles Webb, who is coming off a 16-point performance in a 65-50 loss at Rutgers on Monday. Webb has been a consistent contributor, posting a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Delaware. His presence inside will challenge a Coppin State defense that has allowed an average of 90.4 points during its current losing skid.

For the Eagles, guard Hassan Perkins is a key facilitator. He dished out seven assists against Georgetown on Dec. 22 and followed with five assists in Monday’s 93-59 home loss to Maryland-Baltimore County. Perkins has shown scoring ability as well, notching 15 points at Radford on Dec. 14. Coppin State will need him to control the tempo and create opportunities against a Delaware State team allowing 71.6 points per game.

Recent history underscores the importance of a strong start to MEAC play. Both teams have struggled on the road, with Coppin State 0-11 away from Baltimore and Delaware State 1-7 in true road games. This contest provides a critical opportunity for one to build early conference confidence on a neutral floor.

Defensive intensity will likely dictate the outcome. Coppin State must find a way to slow Webb and improve its perimeter defense after opponents shot 50.4% from the field during its losing streak. Delaware State will aim to pressure Perkins and force the Eagles into turnovers to fuel its transition game.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Memorial Hall. The Hornets won both meetings last season.