Nov. 20, 2008

Box Score

WEST POINT, N.Y. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) women's basketball team could not catch the United States Military Academy at West Point (Army) as they fell 56-43 in their first road trip of the year.

UMES (0-2) struggled early as Army went on a 6-0 run to begin the first half. April McBride opened up the offense by hitting a three-point shot and a jumper back to back, putting the Lady Hawks within one. After gaining their largest lead of the day, the Lady Hawks couldn't find their rhythm again as Army held them scoreless for over six minutes.

"We have to do a better job at putting the ball in the basket," said Head Coach Fred Batchelor. "What we've scored over the last two games is really not indicative of our capability. I think tonight we improved off of Sunday's game, but we have to do a lot better."

McBride led the offense with 12 points and seven rebounds. Casey Morton was the only other Lady Hawk in double-digits with 10 points.

The defense for UMES did phenomenally, holding Army's point leaders scoreless for 22 ½ minutes. But the fouls were noticeably lopsided in the competition. Army shot 21 free throws to UMES' eight.

"We were aggressive at attacking the basket" said Batchelor. "Just didn't get those opportunities to finish plays, to get to go to the line like we would've liked to."

UMES closed Army's (1-2) lead to four points in the second half with just under four minutes remaining but the Black Knights were 7-8 from behind the line in the final two minutes of play to take the win.

Three Army players hit double-figures. Laura Baranek finished with a game-high 13 points, Nalini Hawkins netted 12 and Alex McGuire had 11 points.

The Lady Hawks continue competition at the Iona Turkey Classic in New Rochelle, N.Y. November 29-30.