GREENVILLE, North Carolina — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore's inexperienced backcourt came up against a relentless defensive team at East Carolina University and the results were not what Hawks head coach Fred Batchelor would have hoped in a 67-41 loss.

UMES started the game off with a 12-0 deficit and turned the ball over nine times in the first seven minutes of the game. But the Hawks (3-8) actually rebounded from the terrible start to battle their way back into the contest and trailed just 24-18 at the half.

ECU used a 13-3 third-quarter run to pull away for good.

The Pirates (7-3) were relentless on defense holding the Hawks to just 29% shooting from the field (12-of-41), 18% from behind the arc (2-of-11). ECU also forced 34 Hawks turnovers that resulted in 23 points. The defense also contributed to 20 fast break points for East Carolina.

Zamara Haynes (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and Lesley Thomas (Browns Summit, North Carolina) led the way for the Hawks with seven points apiece. Mahogany Lester (Virginia Beach, Virginia) had a team-high seven rebounds.

UMES shot 78% from the free throw line, picked up 31 rebounds and forced 20 Pirates turnovers.

The Hawks will next host La Salle for a 1 p.m. battle on Saturday (Dec. 10).