Dec. 8, 2007
Box Score
NORFOLK, Va. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) trailed by only 10 at the half but could not overcome Old Dominion University (ODU) and their hot-shooting Saturday night as they lost 74-49 in front of 6,192 at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.
"Overall, I think we played better and were able to do some things differently," said Interim Head Coach Meredith Smith. "We were able to run a little more, which opened up the floor for us."
UMES (1-9) tied the game at 14 on an Ed Tyson (Baltimore, Md./Walbrook H.S.) jumper with 14:14 remaining in the half. The Hawks opened the game shooting 6-of-11 from the field behind Tyson's nine points.
ODU (5-4) would go on a 15-to-2 run to take a 29-16 lead with 2:40 remaining in the first half. However, Marc Davis (Baltimore, Md./Walbrook H.S.) provided an emotional lift as he made and was fouled on a last second three-pointer. He would convert the free-throw to make it 31-21at the half.
The Hawks would cut the lead to seven just two minutes into the second half but the Monarchs responded with a 17-3 run to take a 50-29 lead with 11:33 left in the game. Back-to-back baskets from Aleksandar Popovic (Novi Sad, Serbia/Weatherford College) would end the run.
In the end, the Monarchs shooting proved to be too much as they made 56.7 percent in the second half and 50 percent overall, while the Hawks converted on only 9-of-31 in the second half (29 percent).
UMES was out rebounded for the 17th consecutive game, 39-30, and had no answer for the Monarchs inside as they were outscored 47-16. The Haws also had 18 costly turnovers, which led to 25 points and did not play well in transition giving up 19 points while scoring only two of their own.
"I think our guys did a better job on the glass in the second half," said Smith. "I was pleased with the way we spread the ball around and I think it helped us be a little more effective."
Tyson led all scorers with 19 points on 8-of-19 shooting. Davis was the only other Hawk to score in double figures with 10 points. Denzel Jackson (Philadelphia, Pa./Lincoln H.S.) added eight points and a team-high nine rebounds, while Popovic finished with six points, eight rebounds, and a team-high two blocks.
The Monarchs were led by Jonathan Adams with 13 points on six-of-nine shooting in only 21 minutes of action. Abdi Lidonde added 11 points off the bench. Ben Finney finished just shy of a double-double with nine points and a game-high ten rebounds, while also dishing out a game-high five assists.
UMES will return home to the William P. Hytche Athletic Center on Tuesday, December 11 to take on Kennesaw State. The game starts at 7:00 E.T. and can be heard on WTGM-AM 960 The Team or live on the internet at www.umeshawks.com.
