PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore held Norfolk State to just 19% from the field and 43 points on Saturday (Jan. 7), but shot just 2-of-21 shots in the second half and suffered a 43-34 loss on the road.

It was a bitter pill for a squad that put forth all the effort necessary to pick up a victory, but lacked the execution necessary to beat one of the top teams in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

But the Hawks (4-11, 0-1 MEAC) have precious little time to dwell on the loss to the Spartans and even less to prepare for Monday's (Jan. 9) contest at home against defending MEAC Champion Howard (5-9, 1-0 MEAC).

The Bison are coming off a 51-49 victory at home against Delaware State. Howard — despite playing without three regular starters — got out to a 33-18 lead at the half, but the Hornets were able to battle back.

"I think every game is going to be tough," Hawks coach Fred Batchelor said. "You look at Delaware State losing by just two and Morgan beating Central by single digits. Every night in the MEAC is going to be a dogfight and the survivor of it all is going to be the one standing at the end."

Monday's matchup begins at 5:30 p.m. and is part of a doubleheader with the men's game starting 30 minutes after the end of the women's.