Preview: Delaware State Hornets at Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (Interstat) — A surging Maryland-Eastern Shore squad hosts a Delaware State team finding late-season momentum in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women’s basketball clash Thursday.

The Hawks (17-13) enter the 7 p.m. EST tipoff at the William P. Hytche Center having won four of their last five, including a dominant 74-33 victory over South Carolina State on Saturday. Ashanti Lynch has been a key offensive catalyst, averaging 15.2 points over her last five games and scoring 21 in a narrow win over North Carolina Central on Feb. 26.

The Hornets (7-21) have won three consecutive games, their best streak of the season, after a 75-66 victory over North Carolina Central. Guard Ericka Huggins has led the charge, averaging 12.8 points during the winning run and dropping a team-high 18 points in the latest win.

Maryland-Eastern Shore won the previous meeting this season, 58-47 at Delaware State on Jan. 31. The Hawks’ defense held the Hornets to 30.2% shooting from the field in that contest.

Delaware State will look to continue its improved offensive output, having averaged 73.3 points during its three-game streak after being held under 60 in eight of its prior nine contests. Jermesha Frierson, who had 11 points and five assists against North Carolina Central, provides backcourt support for Huggins.

The Hawks counter with a more balanced attack. Beyond Lynch, Brianna Barnes is coming off a 16-point performance, and Dakieran Turner added 11 points and two assists in the rout of South Carolina State.

A victory would solidify Maryland-Eastern Shore’s position in the upper tier of the MEAC standings, while Delaware State aims to build positive momentum heading into the conference tournament.