Preview: Morgan State Bears at Delaware State Hornets

LEIPSIC, Del. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking a foothold in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference will meet Saturday when the Delaware State Hornets host the Morgan State Bears in a women’s basketball matchup at Memorial Hall.

Both programs enter the contest mired in lengthy losing streaks, with the visiting Bears (2-17) having dropped 10 of their last 11 games and the Hornets (3-15) riding a six-game skid. The game represents a critical opportunity for either squad to gain momentum in MEAC play.

Morgan State is coming off a narrow 62-59 home loss to South Carolina State on Jan. 10. The Bears have shown recent signs of life, however, securing a 64-63 victory over North Carolina Central on Jan. 8. Guard Jala Bannerman has been a consistent offensive bright spot, averaging 14.8 points over her last four contests, including a 19-point performance against South Carolina State.

Delaware State fell 69-53 to Norfolk State in its most recent outing. The Hornets have struggled to find consistent scoring outside of guard Jermesha Frierson, who has been a workhorse. Frierson is averaging 11.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this season and posted a strong line of 19 points and six rebounds in the loss to Norfolk State.

Defensive lapses have plagued both teams. Morgan State has allowed 70 or more points in eight games this season, including a 101-39 loss at Kentucky on Nov. 28. Delaware State has faced similar challenges, surrendering 91 points in a loss to Maryland on Dec. 10 and 76 to Tulane on Dec. 20.

The matchup will be the first of two regular-season meetings between the schools this season, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 21 in Baltimore. History suggests a close game; last season, the teams split their series, with each winning on its home court.

Tipoff is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. For Morgan State, the game begins a two-game road trip, with visits to Norfolk State and Howard to follow. Delaware State will hit the road next for games at South Carolina State and North Carolina Central.