BALTIMORE – DeJuan Clayton had the best game of his illustrious career at Coppin State, tallying a career-high 32 points in an 86-78 comeback victory over Delaware State in the MEAC opener for both teams on Monday night at PEC Arena.
A redshirt senior from Bowie, Md., Clayton made 8-of-17 from the floor with a pair of 3-pointers while sinking a career-high 14-of-15 free throws in the Eagles victory. Clayton also added five rebounds and six assists after missing the last six games. In the second half alone, Clayton recorded 26 points with 10-of-11 free throws.
Four other CSU players finished in double figures as
Kyle Cardaci made five 3-pointers for 15 points,
Anthony Tarke finished with 14 points,
Nendah Tarke added 11 points and
Koby Thomas pitched in with ten points. The Tarke brothers both pulled down a team-high eight rebounds as
Anthony Tarke was credited with four blocks and four steals.
Nendah Tarke finished with a season-high five steals and made 9-of-13 from the stripe.
The Hornets led by a slim 40-35 margin at the half and opened a 47-37 lead with 17:42 left to play before Clayton took over. After falling behind by double digits, Clayton led CSU on a 18-7 run over the 5:14 to give the Eagles back the lead at 55-54 with 12:28 left in the game. Clayton was responsible for 12 points during the rally, including the go-ahead three to give the Eagles the advantage.
Delaware State responded however and once again opened a ten-point lead at 68-58 at the 7:13 mark but the hosts, with Clayton at the helm, were up to the challenge. Clayton scored seven of the team's next 18 points and recorded an old-fashioned three-point play to give the Eagles a 79-75 lead with 1:32 remaining.
Clayton helped Coppin seal the deal as he threw a lob to Thomas for a slam with 44 seconds left to play in regulation.
Delaware State narrowly outshot Coppin, 42.9% to 42.1% but Coppin made 29-of-42 free throws compared to just 8-of-11 for the Hornets.
Coppin and Delaware State faceoff once again tomorrow night as part of a MEAC doubleheader at PEC Arena. Tipoff is slated for approximately 8 pm.
