Hampton came in the the MEAC Tournament knowing they’d have to win three games to make it to the Championship Game. Two down, one to go for Hampton as it downed UMES 76-71. Hampton will meet rival Norfolk State Friday night at 8 PM.
UMES trailed by as many as 13 points in the second half, but managed to cut the lead to 72-71 with 27 seconds left. Ishaq Pitt stepped to the line with the chance to take the lead but Pitt missed both free throws.
Deron Powers hit two free throws with 25 second left, giving Hampton a 74-71 lead that they would not relinquish.Powers and Hampton missed several free throws late in the game, but down the stretch, they managed to put the game away.
“It’s just heart,” Powers said after the game. “At the end of the game, you have to have heart.”