PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team will begin their longest road trip of the conference season on Saturday (February 19) when they face the South Carolina State University Bulldogs. The game will tip off at approximately 4 p.m. following the conclusion of the women's game between the two schools.

In the first matchup on January 22, the Hawks (8-12, 3-6 MEAC) had a late surge at the end of the game after being down double digits, but SCSU was able to hold them off and win 69-60 after late free throws. Junior Da'Shawn Phillip led the team in points and rebounds that day with 11 and five respectively.

Saturday's game will most likely be won by the more physically imposing team. Both squads are built on hustle as Eastern Shore is first in the MEAC, seventh in the NCAA, in steals per game at 10.1 as well as second in the MEAC in scoring defense at 66.6. The Bulldogs are the MEAC's top rebounding team at 42.2 per contest.

Maryland Eastern Shore will also look to keep up with the SC State offense that averages 72.7 points per game without leading scorers Dom London and Zion Styles. Their absence has created more opportunities for Chace Davis. The freshman guard has responded by averaging 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in the squad's last four games while playing 30 minutes per contest.

Following their game at South Carolina State, The Shore will travel to North Carolina Central for a game on Monday night (February 21) at 7:30 p.m.