PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team defeated the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats for the first time in three seasons on Saturday (Feb. 15) with a 66-58 win inside the Hytche Center.

The Wildcats came into the game averaging 76 points per game, which is tops in the conference, but the Hawks neutralized them to get their most impressive win of the season.

"This was an important win against a very good team and program," Hawks coach Jason Crafton said. "We jumped out to a lead early similar to how we did against Morgan State, but this time we were able to remain tough a pull this one out."

The Hawks (4-21, 3-7 MEAC) jumped out to an 18-0 lead in the first five minutes. Eastern Shore controlled the tempo in the first half as they outscored BCU 7-0 in fast break points in the first 20 minutes. They also held an advantage in paint points at 21-6 and scored 21 points off 12 Bethune-Cookman turnovers in the opening half.

A pair of free throws from redshirt sophomore Walter Prevost (Houston, Texas) gave the team a 37-17 lead with 2:35 remaining before halftime. That would be the squad's biggest lead of the game as they held a 39-22 lead at the break.

Bethune-Cookman came back in the second half and methodically cut into the Maryland Eastern Shore lead. The Wildcats were able to get the lead under 10 at 55-46 with 5:52 remaining and continued to apply pressure.

With the lead down to 55-50, senior AJ Cheeseman (Snellville, Georgia) took a pass from freshman Glen Anderson (Harlem, New York) and made a layup while getting fouled. He completed the three point play to help keep BCU at bay.

The Shore's lead would get down to four at 58-54 with under a minute left, but the Hawks would ice the game by going 8-8 from the free throw line to end the game.

Four players finished in double figures for Eastern Shore. Cheeseman led the way with 17. Redshirt senior Ahmad Frost had 15, while Prevost and freshman Da'Shawn Phillip (Baltimore, Maryland) each finished with 10 points.

However, the Hawks most important player on Saturday was Anderson. He played over 30 minutes for the first time in two months as senior point guard Bryan Urrutia (Chihuahua, Mexico) missed the contest due to illness. Anderson responded with career-highs in points, rebounds and assists with eight, eight and six respectively. He also had three steals.

"I think Glen's game tonight is a testament to Bryan's leadership because we had to throw him out there a lot early in the season, but since Bryan's been back it has helped for him to see how a team is supposed to run," Crafton said. "I know Glen has a lot of respect for Bryan and what he does and this game showed how much better this freshman has gotten over the past two months."

Bethune-Cookman was led by Isaiah Bailey's 17 points and a double-double from Cletrell Pope who finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Maryland Eastern Shore will now face Florida A&M on Monday (Feb. 17) on Monday night at 7:30 p.m.

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