PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's basketball team opens the new year with one last tune-up before the start of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play, hosting the St. Mary's College of Maryland Seahawks on January 2, 2023 at 7 p.m.
The Hawks are eyeing a seventh out-of-conference win, which would be the most for the program since the 2014-15 season. UMES still has one remaining conference game following Monday's action, splitting league play by welcoming Regent University to the Hytche on February 2.
"We need to continue growing as we head into conference play," Hawks coach Jason Crafton said.
Checking On the Hawks
The Hawks (6-7) soar into Monday evening's contest with three straight victories under their wings, the first three-game win streak for the team since December of last season.
During the win streak, UMES has shot 47.5 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from beyond the arc. The Hawks have averaged just under 39 rebounds per contest and nabbed nearly 12 steals per game in the stretch as well.
The Hawks continue to rank near the top of the nation in steals-per-game. As of January 1, the group is tied for 16th in the country averaging 9.7 pickpockets.
UMES played in and won its first overtime game of the season on Wednesday, December 28, knocking off Columbia on the road by a 74-67 final. The Hawks became the first MEAC team to beat Columbia, who entered the evening 9-0 all-time against the conference.
The Hawks held Columbia to a 37.1 percent shooting clip and a 15.4 three-point percentage while nabbing seven steals and tying a season-high four blocks on the night. Offensively, UMES shot 41.2 percent from the floor and made seven threes.
Da'Shawn Phillip and Kevon Voyles set new career-highs in points in the win, scoring 21 and 20, respectively. Nathaniel Pollard Jr. missed a third consecutive double-double by one point, scoring nine and hauling in 12 rebounds.
Scouting the Seahawks
The Seahawks (5-4, 0-1 United East) enter as winners of a thriller last time out, defeating Bridgewater College 78-76 at the buzzer.
Before hitting the game winner, St. Mary's scored the game-tying bucket with three seconds left courtesy of senior guard Daryn Alexander. Freshman guard Micah Henry won the game for his squad.
The Seahawks have four players averaging double-digit figures, with Alexander at the forefront scoring 14.0 points per game. Junior forward Gary Grant is just behind, totaling 12.3 points per effort while also leading the team on the glass averaging nearly nine rebounds.
Senior guard Jordan Goodwin ranks third in scoring average at 12 points while leading the Seahawks in assists (23) and steals (14).
"We're looking forward to returning to our home gym to compete against a scrappy and well-coached St. Mary's team," Crafton said.
The Hawks claimed the lone face-off between the two teams all-time by a 79-43 score on December 11, 2021. Pollard led the Hawks in scoring with 16 in that contest, while Grant led the Seahawks with 13 points.
