Feb. 20, 2016 Box Score | Photo Gallery 
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - On a day where the Hawk family comes together, Coach Fred Batchelor and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Women's Basketball Team edged out South Carolina State (SCSU), 61-55, inside the William P. Hytche Athletic Center. The homecoming victory gave UMES their longest winning streak of the season.
Despite only shooting 37-percent (16-of-43) from the floor, Maryland Eastern Shore (9-16, 7-6 MEAC) clamped down on the defensive end and held the opposition to 28-percent (18-of-64).
Offensively, the freshmen backcourt of Ciani Byrom (Winston-Salem, N.C.) and Keyera Eaton (Winston-Salem, N.C.) combined for 29 points. Byrom, reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Week, finished with a game-high 17 points despite dealing with foul trouble. Eaton added 12 points and three thefts, both new career-highs.
Two freebies from SCSU's Jahmia Bradley trimmed the Lady Hawks' margin down to four points, 38-34, with 1:32 remaining in the third. Maryland Eastern Shore regain the momentum and closed out the period on a 7-2 run, capped off by sophomore guard Alexus Hicks (Raleigh, N.C.) draining a jumper as time expired, 45-36.
Eaton connected on a layup and gave UMES a double-digit lead, 47-36, seconds into the fourth. South Carolina State fought back and tied the contest on multiple occasions. At the 4:06 mark, SCSU's Amber Howard drilled a long ball and tied the game, 50-50. Moments later, the Lady Hawks kept their composure and finished on an 11-5 run to win, 61-55.
Other noteworthy Hawk performances included Taryana Kelly (North Brunswick, N.J.) falling a point shy of earning a double-double. The New Jersey native recorded a team-high 12 boards and nine points while becoming the 24th Hawk in the program's history to play in 100 career games.
UMES sprinted out to a 9-0 advantage after a fast break layup from Byrom. More than halfway through the first quarter, Kelly gave Maryland Eastern Shore a double-figure lead, 13-3. The Maroon & Gray was ahead after one, 16-8.
Maryland Eastern Shore held a double-digit advantage throughout the second, including their largest lead, 28-16, with more than three minutes left before intermission. South Carolina State refused to go away as they closed out the half on a 10-3 spurt and pulled within five, 31-26.
For the Lady Bulldogs (10-13, 6-7 MEAC), Howard and Brittany Drumgoole combined for 25 points off the bench. Jasmine Coleman generated a game-high 18 rebounds in a losing effort.
This Monday (Feb. 22), Maryland Eastern Shore looks to keep the momentum going as Florida A&M comes to town. Game-time is set for 5:30 p.m., followed by the men approximately 30 minutes afterward.
For complete recaps, results and news of Hawk athletics, please visitwww.umeshawks.com .
