Box Score

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team lost to the Bucknell Bison on Tuesday night in the most excruciating fashion. The Hawks led by four points with 40 seconds remaining, but the Bison came back with two clutch plays by Chris Hass to win 58-55.

When the game began, it looked to be much different than Monday's close game against the Detroit Titans. Bucknell dominated nearly every aspect of the game in the first half, building a 19-point lead at one point. The Hawks offense sputtered in the opening twenty minutes, shooting 24% as a squad with seven turnovers. As a result, UMES trailed 32-17 at intermission.

The Hawks came out of the locker room, looking like another team to start another second half. Coach Bobby Collins went to his reserves to implement a high-energy full-court press. UMES forced turnover after turnover, going on an extended run to tighten the game. Eventually, Isaac Smith hit a three-pointer to knot the game at 39-39. After a mini-run by Bucknell, the Hawks battled back yet again, taking a 48-46 lead after a steal and transition dunk by Iman Johnson. It was the first lead for the Hawks since they were up 5-4 just minutes into the contest.

The teams traded baskets down the stretch until UMES built a 54-50 lead with 1:05 to play. The Hawks held to burn the clock, but a poor shot led to a shot clock violation with 39 seconds to go. Chris Hass quickly nailed a three-pointer to bring Bucknell with one point. The Bison fouled to send Devin Martin to the free throw line for UMES. Martin missed both attempts, but an offensive rebound by Mike Myers gave UMES another chance at the line. Myers split his pair of attempts, upping the Hawks' advantage to 55-53.

The turning play came with five seconds left in the game. Chris Hass attempted a go-ahead three-pointer for Bucknell. Myers blocked the shot, but he ran into Hass, receiving a shooting foul and giving Hass a trip to the foul line. Hass calmly hit all three free throws to give Bucknell the lead, and then a Hawks' turnover sealed the game for the Bison.

The bench starred for the Hawks, particularly in the second half comeback. Iman Johnson led UMES with 12 points, in addition to a game-high four steals leading to transition buckets. Ishaq Pitt was the only other Hawk in double digits with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting. The offense found its rhythm in the second half, shooting 58.3% after halftime. The Hawks squandered some opportunities from the free throw line, including in the final minute, shooting 60% (12-for-20) as a team.

For the Bison, Chris Hass shined the brightest in the later stages of the game with the three-pointer and three free throws for the comeback in the final forty seconds. Hass finished his night with 17 points, leading the Bison as he has all season. Bucknell outrebounded UMES 35 to 25, creating 16 points on second chance opportunities.

The Hawks will have to regroup after Thanksgiving for yet another road game. On Saturday, November 29, the Hawks will visit the Bronx, N.Y. to face the Fordham Rams. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Gymnasium with pregame coverage to start at 3:40 p.m. on the Hawks Radio Network on SFMSports.net and Fox Sports 960 AM.