Third quarter proves to be the difference in Hawk loss at Georgetown
 

WASHINGTON, DC – Competing against Big East opponent Georgetown to open the 2023-2024 season, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore women's basketball team was in position for a potential road upset before a poor third quarter hurt the Hawks' chances to come out on top.

 
Down by as many as seven in the first quarter, the Hawks battled back to tie up the game, 29-29, on a Lesley Thomas jumper with 2:25 left in the second quarter. Baskets by GU's Mya Bembry and Brianna Scott put the Hoyas up by four at the break.

 
"I thought we did an excellent job of fighting back and competing throughout the first two quarters of basketball," UMES head coach Fred Batchelor said. "We put ourselves in a good position against a quality opponent but we did not come out with the same level of offensive execution in the third quarter and it ultimately cost us."

 
The Hawks struggled from the field in the third period, converting just three of 13 field goals. As the Hawks struggled to score, the Hoya lead crept up to double figures, 49-38, entering the final 10 minutes of play.

 
UMES was unable to fully recover from the challenging third quarter as GU maintained a double-digit lead throughout the fourth period and went on to the 61-50 win.

 
Georgetown was effective in the front court with a 30-16 edge in points in the paint. The UMES bench was a factor in keeping the Hawks close. Led by Zamara Haynes 18 points of the bench, the Hawks outscored the Hoya reserves, 27-18.

 
In addition to Haynes offensive output, guard Mya Thomas finished with 15 points and five rebounds.

 
Senior Kelsey Ransom led the Hoyas to victory with a game-high 19 points along with 10 rebounds and four assists.
 
 
"I am proud of the overall effort tonight. We showed fight on the defensive end of the floor against a team with more size and length in Georgetown," Batchelor said. "As we continue our non-conference schedule, we are focused on getting better and benefitting from playing quality opponents."

 
The Hawks will face the University of Virginia on Wednesday.


"Virginia will be a tough challenge for us. We will need to find ways to be better offensively and find easier baskets," says Batchelor. "It will be another great opportunity for players to step up and contribute."

 
Following Wednesday's game at UVA, the Hawks host Washington Adventist in the home-opener on Saturday.