SUMMARY

Despite a late surge by the Hawks, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore fell at home to the University at Buffalo on Wednesday night.  

THE SCORE

Buffalo (3-0) - 56

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (1-2) - 46

HOW IT HAPPENED

Buffalo jumped to an early 8-0 lead within the first three minutes, sparked by defensive plays from Alexis Davis. UMES's Kiarra Kennedy scored the Hawks' first points, while Lani Cornfield of Buffalo showed strong efforts on the glass contributing to her seven. The Hawks trailed 18-9 after the first quarter.

UMES pressured Buffalo in the second quarter with aggressive defense, forcing shot clock violations and creating turnovers. The Hawks' offensive production imprived with the help from Leslie Thomas, Amira Ofunniyin and Brianna Barnes providing reliable rebounding Guard Zamara Haynes contained Buffalo's Chellia Watson, one of the nation's top five shooters and kept Buffalo to a lead of 27-16 at halftime.

Buffalo pulled away in the third quarter with impressive teamwork and energy. Despite Haynes' effectiveness breaking through the defense, UMES struggled offensively against double teams and forced turnovers. Buffalo's aggressive defense cut off passing lanes and pressured shooters.

In the fourth quarter, UMES showed fight early, Ashanti Lynch stepped up for the Hawks converting two steals and scoring consecutively.  The Hawks went on an 8-2 run to cut the deficit to 42-31, followed by a 7-4 spurt. Haynes scored with 22.5 seconds left to make it a nine-point game, but Buffalo held on for a 56-46 victory.

BY THE NUMBERS

Zamara Haynes led the Hawks with 19 points and eight rebounds against the Bulls, adding three steals.

Lainey Allen collected five rebounds, one block and two steals. 

Ashanti Lynch paced UMES with four steals.

The Hawks shot 57.1% from the field in the fourth quarter compared to Buffalo's 45.5%.

UMES outscored the Bulls 10-4 on second-chance points in the final period.

NEXT UP

The Hawks will rebound quickly as they host Virginia Lynchburg on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Hytche Center.