DURHAM, North Carolina — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore laid an egg in the first quarter of Monday's contest at North Carolina Central. But that wasn't the end of the story.

The Hawks entered the second quarter trailing 24-15 after turning the ball over nine times in the first quarter and allowing 14 points in the paint, while North Carolina Central shot 59% from the field.

The Shore (9-14, 5-6 MEAC) dug in during the second, playing a swarming defense and finding their way on the offensive end using a 21-5 run — over a six-minute stretch — to take the lead and never looked back in a 77-64 win.

"I thought that second quarter was where we won the game," Hawks coach Fred Batchelor said. "It was huge. I thought after the first quarter that they kind of jumped on us and got us going at their peak speed. They hit some shots, but I just thought our kids outplayed them today when it really mattered."

The Hawks held the Eagles (4-17, 2-9 MEAC) to 9% shooting in the second quarter, but then continued to play strong defense in the second half. They forced seven turnovers in the third quarter. In the decisive fourth quarter, they held Central to 29% from the field and forced four turnovers. They also held the Eagles to just 1-of-7 from behind the arc after the half.

"I attribute that to synergy and being connected out there on the floor — playing for each other and having each other's back," Bachelor said. "I was telling them in the locker room that this is the first time we have gotten back-to-back wins. And in February conference time this is the most important time. It's huge to get these wins right now. I'm really proud of the fact that they were able to overcome adversity. That is what we have to do."

Freshman Ariana Seawell (Bronx, New York) led the team in scoring with 16 ( on 7-of-9 shooting) and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds in 20 minutes. Zamara Haynes (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) had eight points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block.

"They are growing up— we're starting three freshmen — and I think our upperclassmen are fitting in well with them right now and taking advantage of what they bring," Batchelor said.

Graduate student Bairesha Gill-Miles (Lexington, Kentucky) chipped in 11 points, four rebounds and a pair of assists and turned in a strong defensive effort.

"Bunz is out there for 30 minutes busting her butt and doing the things we need her to do and I think that makes it a little easier for Ari," Batchelor said.

Classmate Amanda Carney (Old Bridge, New Jersey) scored 14 off the bench, grabbed four rebounds and added three steals, an assist and a block I 22 minutes. It was her fourth straight game in double figures. She was 10-of-10 from the line including eight straight in the final 29 seconds when she also grabbed a key defensive rebound.

"I thought Amanda came in and is playing well," Batchelor said. "The thing that I appreciate about Amanda is that she never takes anything personal. She understands stations and she trusts me in situational play. So when I'm taking her in and out based on the fact that they want to press and we need another ball handler in it doesn't matter. She is ready to play when she is called upon and that's the type of fifth-year leadership that you need."

Freshman Lesley Thomas (Brown's Summit, North Carolina) was also big off the bench with a career-high nine points, five rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes, but also provided much needed physicality against a big Eagles front line. She drew six fouls and converted 7-of-12 from the line.

"She was huge," Batchelor said. "I thought she played great today. It is always big to find a kid who comes come and plays well. Usually when kids go home, I have had experience with them not playing as well at home as other places."

Brooklyn Bailey (Rock Hill, South Carolina) added nine points and a steal off the bench.

The Hawks will next return home to host Coppin State on Saturday at 2 p.m.