Box Score

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team dropped their season opener to the Virginia Tech Hokies by a final score of 71-46. The Hawks (0-1) hung tough in the first half, but the Hokies eventually wore down UMES after the break.

Virginia Tech jumped on the Hawks in the opening minutes for an early lead. The Hokies scored the game's first seven points before Devin Martin finally got the Hawks on the board with a three-pointer. By the 12:56 mark, the home team built a 12-point advantage at 18-6. The UMES offense stalled out in part because of unforced turnovers. The Hawks committed eight turnovers in the opening half, including a pair of offensive fouls by Dominique Elliott, limiting the power forward's playing time.

Still, the Hawks fought hard to stay within ten points at halftime, 30-20. Just as with the opening moments of the game, Virginia Tech blitzed the Hawks to start the second half. Coming out of the locker room, the Hokies opened a 17-point lead with a 9-2 run in the first three minutes after intermission. Throughout the evening, UMES could not find the bottom of the net, shooting a disappointing 27.7% from the floor and 5-for-22 from beyond the arc.

Despite the final score, UMES had some encouraging play in the low post. As a team, the Hawks outrebounded Virginia Tech, 35 to 33. The Hawks worked the glass on both ends, limiting the Hokies to just four second chance points while creating their own extra opportunities with 14 offensive rebounds.

Forward Mike Myers finished a single point shy of a double-double in his first game as a Hawk, putting up nine points and ten rebounds. Myers was aggressive from the get-go, drawing numerous fouls and getting to the line for 14 free throw attempts. Despite his struggles from the foul line, Myers outplayed both Joey van Zegeren and Satchel Pierce for Tech. Both Hokie big men were eventually disqualified with five fouls primarily from trying guard Myers.

The top scorer for UMES was freshman guard Ryan Andino who finished with 11 points, including three made three-pointers. With Devin Martin and Mike Myers each scoring nine points, the top three Hawks in scoring were all additions to the roster this season.

A pair of freshman, Malik MÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'ââ'¬Â '¼ller and Justin Bibbs, scored 15 points apiece to top the Hokies. Another freshman, Ahmed Hill, put up a double-digit performance with 11 points. As a team, Virginia Tech was crisp on offense, shooting 52.2% from the field. The Hokies did not commit their first turnover until 8:24 remaining in the game, ending with just six giveaways on the night.

The Hawks continue their extended road trip on Monday against the Villanova Wildcats. UMES plays seven more games away from Princess Anne before their home opener, with four road contests scheduled for the upcoming week. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at The Pavilion in Villanova, Pa.

For complete recaps, results and news of Hawk athletics, please visit www.umeshawks.com