PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore shouldn't need a reason to not overlook Delaware State despite their struggles this season. With just one road victory this season, the Hawks know how important Wednesday's 5:30 p.m. matchup in Dover is. But if they do need a reason, head coach Fred Batchelor has one.
"They scored more points than we did yesterday," Batchelor said.
The Hornets — who are in last place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings — fell 83-49 to Howard at home on Monday. But The Shore (6-13, 2-5 MEAC) suffered a 53-48 loss at home to MEAC No. 1 Norfolk State where they struggled to score shooting 27% from the field
"They have some good size inside," Batchelor said. "They start players 6-foot-1 and 6-foot-4. They just don't have the numbers and I know it is going to be a challenge for both of us playing three games in five days. I think we have an advantage because we have a deeper bench, but they have an advantage because they are at home."
The Hawks were without three players on the roster on Monday at home against Norfolk State. Junior Makayla Adams (Bowie, Maryland) has missed all season rehabbing an injury, while Senior Taylor Clayborne (Upper Marlboro, Maryland) was injured at Howard and will miss the rest of the season.
Junior Mya Thomas (Chesapeake, Virginia) the team's leader in assists per game (2.3) also missed the loss to the Spartans, but should return soon.
Delaware State (0-14, 0-5 MEAC) played just seven players on Monday against Howard and has only had 10 players who have seen action in any of its five conference games.
The Hornets do have something the Hawks don't and that is a player averaging double digits in scoring. Redshirt senior guard Janasia Law leads the team in scoring with 11.7 points per game to go with 6.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
In five MEAC games, Law is averaging 14.5 points and 7.3 rebounds. Unique Miller is averaging 12.6 per conference game and Alexis Moragne 11.8.
Senior Brooklyn Bailey (Rock Hill, South Carolina) leads the Hawks with 7.7 points per game. She is averaging 10.0 points per contest in MEAC play.
Freshman Ariana Seawell (Bronx, New York) has come on strong lately and is averaging 11 points and 7.4 rebounds over her last five games.
