Ron Timus scored a season-high 17 points vs. Hampton.
Boxscore
BALTIMORE, Md. -- Morgan State had its sights set on improving to a four-game winning streak and collecting its most consecutive wins in two years. However, the Hampton Pirates had other plans for the visiting Bears.
With a smothering defense and 18 points from Bruce Brown and Jeff Granger, Hampton sailed past MSU 82-62 Monday night at the Convocation Center, handing the Bears its most lopsided setback in a conference game this season.
"They were consistent with their shots," said MSU senior guard Chris Grant. "We didn't rotate well enough on defense and that left them open for easy baskets."
Morgan State (7-12, 5-4) never held a lead in the game. The Bears were trailing early by a slim 9-8 margin before the Pirate barrage began.
Keyed by Bruce Brown, a 6-11, 270-pound center, Hampton jumped out on a 13-2 run capped by a dunk by Deven Green to put the Pirates up 23-10 with 7:05 remaining. Hampton closed the first half on a 14-6 run, taking a 38-23 lead.
The Pirates (9-10, 7-3) came out firing in the second half and quickly built the lead to 23 points.
Hampton got a collective effort from its starters. Brown and Granger not only scored 18 points each, but they also combined for 20 rebounds. Devin Green finished with 17 points, while Adrian Woodard chipped in 11 (3-6 3FG).
The Bears were led for the second consecutive game by junior Ron Timus. Timus scored a season-high 17 points and Chris Grant added 12. Tim Berkley led the Bears on the glass by collecting five rebounds.
Sam Brand, MSU's leading scorer, had his toughest game of the season as he went 1-for-7 from the field for 2 points.
The Bears shot 39 percent (24-61) from the floor, while Hampton shot a sizzling 53 percent (28-53). MSU was also pounded on the boards by a 41-26 margin.
The Bears will look to regroup when they take to the road and travel south to tip-off with South Carolina State on Saturday, February 5th.
