By Beyonca Banks | Script Writer

Freshman forward Jerry Deng saved the day for the Pirates, hitting two key three-pointers in the final minutes of the game.

The Hampton University’s men’s basketball team emerged victorious in a thrilling game against Howard, with a close score of 63-61 at the Prudential Center at the Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic in Newark, New Jersey on Feb. 3. 

Pirates Forward, Jerry Deng, played a crucial role in securing the win for the Pirates, as the game’s leading scorer with 21 points.

Deng’s performance was outstanding, providing the Pirates with crucial baskets when they needed them the most. Additionally, Ja’Von Benson displayed his defensive prowess by setting a new career-high in blocks with seven.

The game started with Hampton scoring the first points through a layup from Joshua Lusane. The Pirates initially dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing three offensive rebounds before the first media timeout. However, Howard responded with a 7-0 run, taking advantage of Hampton’s scoring drought. It was freshman Jerry Deng who ended the four-minute drought for the Pirates with a layup in transition.

Both teams struggled to score after the under-12-minute media timeout. Hampton’s defense held Howard to a dismal 28 percent shooting from the field in the first 10 minutes. Deng ignited the Pirates’ offense from beyond the arc after missing their first five attempts. With turnovers forced by Coach Edward Joyner Jr.’s squad, Hampton only trailed by one point at the next media timeout.

Howard managed to take a nine-point lead, the largest of the game, with a score of 30-18. However, Joshua Lusane and Jerry Deng stepped up for the Pirates, bringing them back within five points. Deng led Hampton in scoring during the first half, contributing 10 points off the bench, while Lusane, in his first start since January 6th, closely followed with eight points. Howard made a layup just before the end of the half, increasing their lead to seven.

Hampton guard Jordan Nesbitt stepped up big in the win over Howard, pouring in 17 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing five assists.

In the second half, Hampton’s defense shut down Howard’s offense. The team’s strong defensive presence, led by Ja’Von Benson, played a crucial role in shutting down Howard’s offense. Hampton’s improved shooting in the second half and their ability to make crucial plays in the closing minutes were key factors in their success. The Bison went over four minutes without a field goal early in the half, thanks to the strong defensive presence of Ja’Von Benson, who finished the game with a career-high seven blocks. The Pirates improved their shooting in the second half, hitting 46.2 percent from the field. They managed to close the gap to just four points before the six-minute mark.

Despite Howard taking another double-digit lead with five minutes remaining, Hampton fought back to bring it within one possession. With Howard making free throws in the final minutes, they held a four-point lead with just 1:16 left on the clock. However, Jerry Deng continued to shine for the Pirates, hitting back-to-back threes in the final minute to give Hampton a two-point lead. Coach Joyner Jr.’s team displayed excellent defensive skills, preventing the Bison from scoring and securing the win by making free throws in the closing seconds.

After the game, Deng expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating, “I have that confidence because I put in the work. When it comes to showcasing it on the court, it’s gonna showcase itself every time.”

With their star freshman in action, the Pirates appear poised to build on this success and continue toward further victories.