DOVER, Del. — In an electrifying game on Monday night, Robert Smith’s decisive performance saw Delaware State clinch victory over North Carolina Central with an 86-84 scoreline, following an intense overtime session. Smith contributed significantly with 24 points and assisted Javarzia Belton in making the game-winning layup with merely a second left on the clock.
The match saw tensions heighten in the final moments when Po’Boigh King successfully landed two crucial free throws for North Carolina Central, leveling the scores at 84, with just 37 seconds to go. Delaware State then sought a winning shot with Kaseem Watson taking a jumper which missed with 10 seconds remaining. Although Martaz Robinson captured the offensive rebound, his attempted shot was blocked out of bounds by Perry Smith Jr., with only four seconds on the clock. This critical moment created the opportunity for Belton’s defining play.
Prior to the overtime, Aquan Smart showcased his skills by sinking a halfcourt three-pointer at the buzzer, tying the game at 75 and keeping North Carolina Central in the fight. Smart ended the night scoring nine points.
Robert Smith was a force for Delaware State, shooting an impressive 9 of 15 from the field, including 3 for 5 from beyond the arc, and going 3 for 5 on free throws. His overall performance helped the Hornets improve their standing with a record of 14-12, and 6-5 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Meanwhile, Robinson tallied 14 points despite a challenging shooting night, making only 2 of 10 field goals but a strong 10 of 12 in foul shots. Belton also added substantial support with 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting.
For North Carolina Central, King displayed an impressive performance scoring 23 points. Perry Smith Jr. also made a significant impact with his contribution of 20 points, accompanied by 13 rebounds and two blocks. Keishon Porter added 10 points to the Eagles’ tally, who now hold a record of 11-16 and 4-6 in conference play.
In conclusion, it was a match filled with thrilling turns and precise plays, demonstrating the competitive spirit of both teams throughout the game.
