Delaware State fell one win short of its first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2005.
The Hornets fell to Hampton in 82-61 the MEAC tournament title game Saturday in Norfolk.
The 6th seeded Pirates used a 13-3 run early in the second half to take command of the game 52-43. The 5th seeded Hornets cut the Hampton lead to 5 with just under five minutes to play, but never got any closer.
DSU is now 1-5 all-time in MEAC championship games.
The Hornets finish out this season with and 18–17 this season.
Hampton – just 16-17 this season - are league champs for the second time in five years and will learn who and where they play in the NCAA tourney Sunday night.
