American U. holds off Hampton 74-72

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) Charles Hinkle scored 24 points and American University held off Hampton 74-72 on Wednesday night.

The Eagles (8-2) led 65-56 with 7:47 to play before Hampton responded with eight straight points. Mike Tuitt's 3 capped the spurt, making it 65-64 with 5:45 to play.

The Pirates (4-6) wouldn't take the lead but kept it close, trailing 73-70 with 21 seconds remaining. Hampton's Jasper Williams missed a 3, but the Pirates got the ball back. Darrion Pellum then missed another potential tying shot, but again Hampton came up with the offensive rebound. Tuitt made a layup off the miss with 2 seconds left.

It wasn't enough, as Troy Brewer made a free throw for the final margin.

Brewer finished with 19 points and Daniel Munoz and Simon McCormack had 10 each for American, which won its eighth straight.

Pellum led the Pirates with 25 points.

Updated December 7, 2011