Hawks top UMBC to get back to .500
 

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks defeated the Retrievers of UMBC, 70-54, on Sunday.
 

With the victory, UMES improves to 3-3 overall while UMBC dropped to 1-5 on the year.

 
The Hawks held the Retrievers to just eight points in the first quarter as UMES took a 15-8 edge into the second period. UMES guard Zamara Haynes provided instant offense off the bench for the Hawks with 13 points in the quarter, making six-of-seven shots. UMBC's Jaden Walker helped keep the Retrievers within striking distance with seven points in the quarter as the Retrievers trailed by five, 34-29, at half.

 
After a slow UMES start to the second half, UMBC pulled within one, 34-33, on a Jordon Lewis layin. A three-pointer by Ashanti Lynch put UMES back up by four, a margin that remain the same as the Hawks took a 46-43 lead into the final 10 minutes of play.

 
Up 51-49 at the 7:33 mark, back-to-back baskets by Jala Bannerman and a fastbreak lay up by Mahogany Lester gave the Hawks a 58-48 lead. UMES remained in control and a four point play by Bannerman with 2:17 to play highlighted a fourth quarter in which the Hawks scored 23 points to the UMBC total of 11 on the 16-point victory.

 
"Our effort and toughness was evident in the fourth quarter. We did an excellent job of setting the tone and closing out the game," UMES head coach Fred Batchelor said. "I also thought we had great defensive performances from Cache Wilson, Ashanti Lynch and others who helped us take control of the game. Jala shot the ball confidently tonight while Zamara made an impact on both ends of the floor. Led by Arianna, we did a good job of rebounding which ultimately allowed us to pull away late in the game."

 
Led by Haynes and forward Ariana Seawell, the Hawk bench outscored the UMBC reserves, 44-23. Haynes led all players with 23 points along with four rebounds. Seawell recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Bannerman paced the Hawk starters with 14 points.

 
In addition to the success of the UMES bench, the Hawks heled a 24-11 advantage in points off turnovers while recording a season-high 15 steals. The Hawks also won the battle on the boards with 38 rebounds to UMBC's 27.

 
Blount led the UMBC offense with 13 points along with seven rebounds.

 
The Hawks host Mount St. Mary's on Wednesday night.