PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore just faced a pair of Colonial Athletic Association standouts in a 66-61 loss on the road at Drexel on Saturday (Nov. 19). But things don't get much easier on Tuesday (Nov. 22) as the Hawks host Towson and Redshirt junior Kylie Kornegay-Lucas who leads the team in every offensive category. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
"She can play the one through the four," Hawks coach Fred Batchelor said. "She is a really good scorer and playmaker. They have other athletes too. They are very athletic at almost every position. And we are going to have to compete with them."
Batchelor said that the biggest concerns for his team heading in are battling on the glass, limiting turnovers and knocking down free throws. The Hawks (1-4) struggled at the line at Drexel converting just 8-of-17 after hitting at a 74% prior to that contest.
"Points in the paint are going to be a key factor as well," Batchelor said. "If we can eliminate the points in the paint, then I think we will be in a good place to compete and put ourselves in a position to be successful."
The Hawks (1-4) outrebounded Drexel 41-33 and did a good job defensively on the inside. While the Hawks grew a lot in that contest, there still needs to be a lot more for this inexperienced squad.
"Understanding the critical moments in a game is part of the growing pains of a young team," Batchelor said. "When you have a freshman out there guarding a fifth-year preseason player of the year it's about understanding the moment. There is a lot of teaching going on, but the thing I like is there is a lot of learning going on and there is a willingness to do so. We're continuously trying to improve to get better. I love the energy and the way these kids want and respond to the criticism it takes to go from competing for winning."
The last time the two teams met was Dec. 8, 2012, when UMES snapped a three-game losing streak with a 60-48 win against the Tigers. At the time it was the first win for the Hawks against Towson since 1982-83.
