BALTIMORE (AP) — Michael Harper came off the bench to score 17 points and Coppin State hit 6 of 8 free throws in the final 30 seconds to hold off an upset bid by Wilmington (Del.) 78-73 on Monday night.
The victory halted a four-game losing streak for the Eagles (5-7).
After Ed Freeman’s layup brought the Wildcats, a Division II team, within 70-69 with 2:23 to play, Tony Gallo answered with a short jumper to give the Eagles a 72-69 lead.
Herbert Dennis, who led the Wildcats (5-7) with 21 points, made 1 of 2 free throws with 1:49 left, but Akeem Ellis made four consecutive free throws to boost Coppin State’s advantage to 76-70.
Ceslovas Kucinskas and Antonio Williams added 13 points apiece for Coppin State and Gallo had 12. Williams also pulled down 12 rebounds for the Eagles.
Coppin State outrebounded Wilimington 43-30 and got 40 points from its reserves.
