HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University men's basketball team dropped a tough game to the rival Spartans of Norfolk State 80-75 on Saturday night in the HU Convocation Center in front of a crowd of over 6,500 fans.

The game saw 10 ties and 10 lead changes; it came down to a final chance for both teams, but the Spartans took advantage of their final opportunity. With less than 1:52 remaining in the game, the Pirates had a four-point lead following two free throws by senior guard Darrion Pellum (Hampton, Va.).

On the next possession, the Spartans' Chris McEachin hit three free throws to pull Norfolk State within one, 75-74.

Norfolk State took its final lead when Kyle O'Quinn got a dunk to make the score 76-75 with 31 seconds left to play in the game. Following a Hampton timeout, senior guard Mike Tuitt (Bronx, N.Y.) drove into the paint and dumped the ball down to forward David Bruce (Linden, N.J.) and his mid-range jumper fell short.

Norfolk State made its next four free throws.

Hampton (6-13, 2-4 MEAC) shot 45.6 percent (26-for-57) from the floor for the night, but converted just 15 of 24 free throws. The Pirates finished the game with three players in double figures, led by Pellum with 18 points, while senior guard Christopher Tolson (Laurel, Md.) scored 17 points off of the bench.

Tuitt added 13 points for the Pirates.

The Spartans of Norfolk State improved to 7-0 in MEAC play and 15-5 overall by shooting an impressive 51.8 percent (29-for-56) from the floor and making 13 of 16 free throws (81.3 percent). O'Quinn led the Spartans, as he recorded 13th double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Johnson also recorded a double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds.

McEachin finished the game with 18 points while making five of eight 3-pointers.

The Pirates will be back in action on Tuesday, as they welcome the Bulldogs of South Carolina State to the HU Convocation Center for a 7 p.m. tip-off. For more information on Hampton University basketball, call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.