Hawks soar to 95-37 win over Clarks Summit


PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland – Playing in their first home game since November 18^th, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks exploded for their best offensive output of the season in a 95-37 victory over Clarks Summit on Tuesday night.
 

"It is exciting to get back home and play in front of our fans," said UMES head coach Jason Crafton. "We challenged our guys tonight and they did a good job of answering."
 

The victory snapped a seven game losing streak for the Hawks who are now 3-9 on the season. The Defenders of Clarks Summit fell to 1-12 on the year.


The margin of victory along with holding an opponent to 37 points are both program bests under coach Crafton's tenure at UMES. The result is also first time UMES has held an opponent under 40 since 2009 and ties the lowest point total allowed since 2008.


After allowing the first four points of the contest, UMES was ignited by back-to-back three pointers by Malang Athian. The Hawks went on to a 26-0 run to take full momentum and led 37-16 at the break.


Five three pointers by Tyler Mack highlighted another Hawks run early in the second half. A dunk by Kelechi Okworogwo upped the margin to 50 points with 9:56 to play. Three pointers by Antwan Wilson, Damani Claxton and Okworogwo in the final four minutes helped the Hawks stretch the lead to 58 before running out the final 30 seconds of the clock.


10 of the 11 Hawks players who logged minutes scored five or more points in the game. Mack finished the game with 15 points to lead the UMES scoring. Athian finished with 12 points. Okworogwo, Wilson and Toby Nnadozie recorded 11 points each. Okworogwo also led the Hawks with six rebounds, two blocks and three steals.
 

"Guys did a good job of taking advantage of their opportunities to play tonight," said Crafton. "Our guys came out tonight ready to play. We will look to continue to improve as we prepare for conference play against Morgan State. The MEAC is on the rise with great coaches and players. We will spend the read of this week getting our bodies and minds right as we prepare for a quality conference opponent this Saturday."



The Hawks recorded a season highs in shooting percentage at 60% (36-60), made three pointers (14), three-point field goal shooting with 48.3% (14-29) and bench points (53).
 
 
The Hawks will begin MEAC play at home on Saturday at 4 pm against Morgan State.