PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team played one of their most complete games of the season on Monday night (Jan. 14), but it was not enough as the Hawks dropped their contest with North Carolina A&T State University 67-58.

"Our energy, effort and attention to detail were good early," head coach Clifford Reed said. "We just have to score the ball a little more because this is a miss or make game and we didn't make enough shots."

The Hawks had their best start to a game in conference play as a jumper from Isaac Taylor (Wachapreague, VA) gave Eastern Shore a 21-13 advantage after nine minutes of play. That lead was due in large part to the Hawks' ability to slow down the perimeter shooting of the Aggies. North Carolina A&T was coming of a game where they hit 14 3-pointers versus Delaware State.

With the Aggies neutralized outside they began to go inside to create offense and they were successful with that. A&T attacked the basket throughout the game and were able to attempt 21 free throws, while The Shore only attempted four.

After the score at halftime stood 36-35 with the Aggies leading, junior Ahmad Frost (Cincinnati, OH) made a three on the opening possession of the second half for Maryland Eastern Shore. A&T responded with a 13-4 run after that and kept the Hawks at bay for the rest of the game.

Forward Tyler Jones (Atlantic City, NJ) led the Hawks with 11 points, but had a tough shooting night as he went 4-14. Taylor finished with 10 points as did point guard Bryan Urrutia (Chihuahua, Mexico), who also flirted with a triple double as he finished with nine rebounds and six assists as well.

North Carolina A&T center Ibrahim Sylla anchored the Aggies down low all night as he had 25 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in the contest. Aggie guards Qua Copeland and Terry Harris each had 11 points after big games against DSU.

"Our game plan was to not let the guards beat us and make the non-stars beat us," Reed said. "We played them one on one down low, paid a lot of attention to the guards and the big guy beat us so our hat goes off to Ibrahim and the coaches for A&T."

Eastern Shore will now play their first game outside the state of Maryland since Dec. 28 as they head to Tallahassee, FL to face the Florida A&M University Rattlers on Saturday (Jan. 19). They will stay in Florida after that game to face Bethune-Cookman on Jan. 21.

For more information on Eastern Shore Athletics visit http://www.easternshorehawks.com/.