Hawks Earn Homecoming Win Against Bowie State

SUMMARY

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore earned its first home win, and first win of the season, during Homecoming in a 65-57 final. The win also marked the first in the head coaching career for Malikah Willis.
 

THE SCORE

Bowie State (0-1) - 57

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (1-1) - 65

HOW IT HAPPENED

During a day of celebration and comradery spurred on by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's homecoming celebration with alumni and friends back on campus, the Hawks traded some early baskets before taking the lead four minutes into the contest. The Hawks never relinquished the lead from that point on and led for the final 34 minutes of the game.

Aleah James kicked off the game for the Hawks with the first points of the game, but five additional UMES players contributed to the 18-12 lead held at the end of the first quarter. Lainey Allen led the first quarter effort with six points for the Maroon and Grey. Through the first half, 10 Hawks found their way to the basket for points with Zamara Haynes putting up six in a second quarter that saw the Hawks drop in 23 points to take a 41-28 lead into the halftime break.

The final two quarters were more reserved, though, as the Hawks put up 12 points in each of the third and fourth quarters while maintaining a comfortable lead. Haynes and Amira Ofunniyin each put up four points through the third while Haynes and Ashanti Lynch helped close out the final period with five and three points, respectively.

BY THE NUMBERS

Through both games of the season, so far, Zamara Haynes has led the Hawks in scoring. She put up 18 against Bowie State after leading the team with 23 earlier in the week against VCU. In Saturday's win, she also collected six rebounds with a trio of steals.

Lainey Allen put up 10 points to help push the Hawks to victory while going 3-7 shooting. She also grabbed three boards, two being on offense, as the Hawks controlled the paint.

Mahogany Lester led UMES on the glass with 14 rebounds through the game with nine coming on offense. She also added five points, a pair of steals and an assist through the game.

The Hawks' earned the win with the extra effort as 16 points came off second chance points while UMES outrebounded Bowie State 39-28. Through two games this season, UMES holds a 74-55 rebounding advantage against its opponents.

With only nine points coming from beyond the arc for the Hawks, the team battled inside while picking up tough points through contact, earning 22 points at the free throw line. 

The Hawks began the game hot shooting 43% from the field while going 13 of 30 for 41 points.

NEXT UP

The Hawks enter the second of a four-game home stretch with a 7 p.m. game against Buffalo on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Hytche Center.