BALTIMORE, Maryland — After a close first half, the Morgan State University Bears were able to use a run in the second half to keep the University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team at bay as the home team was victorious 61-53.

"There was a four or five minute segment where I think they were the tougher basketball team and created separation," head coach Jason Crafton said. "Once we got out of that and focused on us, we were able to go on a nice run to end the game out."

The first 20 minutes of the game were played pretty even. The score was tied six times, but the Hawks never led. Morgan State had the advantage in the paint outscoring the Hawks 14-6, but Eastern Shore made four from long distance while the Bears made just one in the opening half.

When play resumed after halftime, the game's intensity ratcheted up. Morgan State's head coach Kevin Broadus was called for a technical foul 45 seconds into the half. Senior AJ Cheeseman (Snellville, Georgia) hit one of the two free throws to make the MSU lead 29-24.

Redshirt senior Ahmad Frost (Cincinnati, Ohio) hit a 3-pointer at the 17:35 mark to bring the Hawks within five at 34-29. The Bears would respond by going on an 11-2 run to grab a 45-31 advantage with less than 12 minutes left.

Morgan State would eventually get their lead up to as many as 15 at 54-39 with 6:12 left, but Eastern Shore would continue to fight. The Shore turned up their defensive pressure and got the game to single digits after a layup from redshirt sophomore Walter Prevost (Houston, Texas) with 1:40 remaining.

One minute later, freshman Da'Shawn Phillip (Baltimore, Maryland) hit a three to make the score 59-53. The Hawks would force a jump ball on the ensuing inbound to get possession right back. Phillip would get another good look from 3-point range with 28 seconds left, but it hit off the front of the rim and the Bears got the rebound, hit two free throws and secured the win.

Frost scored 15 points for the second straight game to lead the squad in scoring. Cheeseman had 10 before fouling out and Phillip finished with nine in front of his hometown crowd.

The Bears were without their All-MEAC performer Stanley Davis, but were still able to get three players in double figures with David Syfax leading the way with 15 points.

Maryland Eastern Shore will now face Coppin State on Monday (Feb. 10) at 7:30 p.m. before coming back home to play Bethune-Cookman on Feb. 15.

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