Box Score

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - In the Battle of the Bridge Part II, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Women's Basketball Team fell short to Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) as the Retrievers held on to defeat the Lady Hawks, 87-78, inside the William P. Hytche Athletic Center. With the loss, Maryland Eastern Shore dropped to 4-7 overall while UMBC improved to 5-5 on the season.

As a team, the Lady Hawks shot nearly 48-percent (10-of-21) from long range, led by freshman guard Alexus Hicks (Raleigh, N.C.). The Raleigh-native went 5-of-6 from downtown and finished with a team-high 19 points and four boards. Fellow freshman Moengaroa Subritzky (Auckland, New Zealand) filled the stat sheet as she recorded 10 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, four blocks, and two steals in a losing effort.

UMBC took a one-point lead at intermission, 38-37, and opened the second period on a 16-4 run to take a double-digit lead, 54-41. Hicks' three-pointer sparked UMES as they went on a 10-3 run to narrow the gap, 57-51, with 11:30 remaining. Within the next four minutes, the Retrievers regained the momentum and outscored Maryland Eastern Shore, 12-6 and held a commanding lead, 69-57. UMES slowly chipped away at the Retriever's lead and trailed by one possession after a layup by TeAmber Burke (Washington, N.C.), 77-74, with less than two minutes to go. Toward the end, UMBC nailed several freebies down the stretch to clinch the victory, 87-78.

Other notable Hawk performances included Burke scoring 14 points off the bench while Shawnee Sweeney (Chester, Va.) and Alexis Udoji (Randolph, Mass.) combined for 24 points and 12 boards in the loss.

In the first half, there were eight lead changes and seven ties. UMES held a two-point lead, 27-25, after a made free throw by Sweeney. UMBC created separation as they went on a 7-0 spurt to retake the lead, 32-27. Hicks' long ball ignited the Lady Hawks as they closed the first period on a 10-5 run, 38-37.

For the Retrievers, Taylor McCarley had a team-high 19 points and game-high six steals. Liz McNaughton added 18 points off the bench while Capree Garner ended her afternoon posting 17 points.

Next Tuesday (12/30), the Lady Hawks wrap up 2014 and their three-game home stand against Monmouth. Tipoff is set for noon.

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