Feb. 17, 2014

Game Notes | Listen Live! |

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - Fresh off of a thrilling come-from-behind victory on Homecoming, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team will continue its three-game homestand today against Morgan State at 7:30 p.m. The game is the second in three days for UMES, who are also set to play on Wednesday at home. The Hawks are looking to win two consecutive games in MEAC play for the first time since 2011.

Morgan State holds a 49-32 advantage in the all-time series record against UMES. The Hawks have won just twice in the past ten meetings, but swept the Bears in both games of the 2011-12 season. The contest is the only scheduled regular season matchup between the two. UMES has scored over 70 points just once in the past 10 meetings against the Bears.

UMES looks to keep up its winning ways at home. The men hold a +36 scoring margin at home as they have won all four of their games at the Hytche this season. The team has shot atleast 40-percent from the floor in four of the past five home games. Senior Troy Snyder (Chicago, Ill.) has like the home cooking so far this year and has accounted for seven double-digit point efforts in nine home games.

The Hawks will look to keep the momentum gained from a 20-point come-from-behind victory over Howard on Saturday for the 2014 Homecoming. The Hawks were electric in the game, particularly in the second-half, where they tallied 59 points to score their most points in one half since 2003. UMES will need Snyder to continue his fantastic production as he is averaging 8.3 rebounds-per-game over the past five games. He tallied 41 points across two games last week.

UMES has shot well from the free-throw line this season and currently stand fourth in the MEAC with a 71-percent clip. Junior KyRee Jones (Indianapolis, Ind.) is second in the conference at 88-percent, while freshman Hakeem Baxter (Philadelphia, Pa.) is just a hair below 80-percent. Baxter had 17 chances from the charity stripe against Howard and UMES has gone to the free-throw line atleast 20 times in eight of its past nine games. Morgan State has the worst free-throw shooting team in the MEAC this year.

Morgan State has been led by Justin Black this season as he is averaging 18.9 ppg and 2.1 spg. Anthony Hubbard is the top Bear on the glass with a 6.8 rpg averags, while Ian Chiles is blocking over three shots a game. MSU was ranked second in the MEAC preseason poll, but have fallen in several tight MEAC contests to begin the year. The Bears have played well on the road, as of late, and have won three of the past five road contests. They are winless on the year when scoring under 70 points.

Let's take a look at a few game notes for today's matchup:

- LAST TIME OUT: UMES erased a 20-point deficit to defeat Howard, 87-73, before 3,818 strong on Homecoming this past weekend. UMES went on a 19-5 run late in the game to overtake the Bison and scored 20 of the game's final 27 points. Troy Snyder had career-highs in points (34) and assists (14)

- MATCHUP AGAINST MSU: Morgan State holds a 49-32 series record over UMES. UMES is 2-8 against MSU in the past ten meetings with the Hawks winning two against the Bears during the '11-'12 season. UMES has scored over 70 points just once in the past 10 meetings between the two. It is the only regular season matchup between the Hawks and Bears this year

- EPIC COMEBACK WIN ON HOMECOMING: UMES' 87-73 victory over Howard on Homecoming was the biggest comeback win in over a decade. Troy Snyder had career-highs in points (34) and assists (5) to help UMES overcome a 20-point deficit. The Hawks had 59 points in the second-half, most from a Hawk unit in a frame since 2003 (vs. FAMU, 70 pts.)

- HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS: UMES holds a +36 scoring advantage at home this season with all four wins at the W.P. Hytche Center. The team is shooting 44.8 FG%, nearly 10 points higher than on the road (35.2%). UMES has shot atleast 40% in four of the past fi ve home games

- A REBOUNDING MACHINE: Troy Snyder is averaging 8.3 rpg over his past six games. Snyder has atleast six rebounds in each of the past six games, including 38 over the past four. He is averaging at team-high 6.1 on the year. The senior had 14 rebounds in the Homecoming win over Howard

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