ESPN Men's Basketball

NORFOLK, Va. -- Albert Thomas scored a career-high 21 points as Delaware State defeated Howard 73-61 Tuesday night in the first round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament.

The sixth-seeded Hornets (14-17) snapped a two-game skid that began after they defeated the Bison 56-53 on March 2. Delaware State plays third-seeded Hampton Wednesday.

The Hornets led 32-20 at halftime and never let 11th-seeded Howard get closer than seven after the break.

Thomas made 7 of 10 field goals, hitting both of his 3-pointers. He also was 5 of 6 from the line and dished out six assists. Delaware State shot 51 percent for the game (26 of 51).

Tahj Tate added 14 points, Marques Oliver posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and Casey Walker contributed 12 points.

Calvin Thompson scored 22 points and Mike Phillips 18 for Howard (7-24), which closed the season with its sixth loss in seven games.