SUMMARY
NASHVILLE – While the University of Maryland Eastern Shore was able to take down its opponent in the first game of the Music City Classic, UMES was unable to overcome No. 19 Illinois in a 75-55 loss.
THE SCORE
Illinois (6–0) - 75
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (4-3) - 55
HOW IT HAPPENED
Illinois was able to take the early lead, scoring nine unanswered to open the game. Dakieran Turner put up the first points of the game for UMES on a second-effort layin after ripping down a rebound. Zamara Haynes followed up to put up a pair of free throws and later a jumper to give the Hawks six in the frame. However, Illinois' Genesis Bryant put up 10 points to help take a 24-6 lead after the first quarter.
The Hawks kicked up their offensive efforts in the second quarter, outscoring Illinois 20-19 in the period. While Illinois was able to go on six-point run to begin the frame, UMES responded with Haynes scoring another seven points while Turner and Brianna Barnes each knocked in another four. Through the first half the Hawks trailed Illinois, 43-26, but continued to push Illinois, particularly on the boards where UMES held a 25-19 advantage.
The third quarter ran into a dead heat as neither side gave ground in a 15-15 draw for the frame. Mahogany Lester led the Hawks with six points while Hayens chipped in another five. Illinois was able to do the bulk of its scoring at the free throw line, converting 8-of-13.
Illinois was able to add to its lead in the fourth quarter with a 17-14 scoring advantage. Lester and Haynes led the offensive effort for the Hawks with five and four points, respectively. However, Illinois' Bryant continued to hold the hot hand with eight more points in a 27-point performance.
BY THE NUMBERS
Zamara Haynes once again led the Hawks in scoring with 20 points after tieing her career high the day before with 25 against Dayton. Haynes finished Tuesday's game with a pair of rebounds and assists.
UMES rebounding advantage in every game before Illinois was matched as each side pulled down 41 rebounds. The Hawks still hold a 284-222 rebounding advantage for the season.
Mahogany Lester scored her season-high with 14 points while pulling down seven boards and dishing out a pair of assists to go along with a block and steal.
Dakieran Turner also scored her season-high with eight points while grabbing three rebounds in 14 minutes of play.
The Hawks shot 31.1% from field, going 19-of-61 shooting and 3-of-13 from beyond the arc.
COMMENTS FROM HAWK HEAD COACH MALIKAH WILLIS
Reflection on game
"We did a heckuva job on the defensive end getting stops. A lot of their points came from the free throw line, 24 of their 75 came on the free throw line. We're getting stops, but turning around, getting second-chance points for them hurt us a little bit. Offensively, we've got to do a heckuva lot better. Missed around 15 layups.
Resiliency of the team
"The resiliency is there and that's what we know. We're going to work hard, we're going to give 100% all of the time. The problem is we can't wait, we can't sit back and wait for somebody to punch us in the face before we start playing. The first quarters are hurting us in a lot of games because we're sitting back a little bit and being a little too casual."
Playing in this tournament
"It's crucial. We're going to be battle-tested by the time we get to the MEAC. And that's the kind of team we want because once we get to January, the stuff we're talking about now being casual in the first quarter, that's not going to happen."
Looking forward
"We try to save their legs a little bit and do a lot of recovery. And then we'll watch a lot of film. We'll be ready."
NEXT UP
The Hawks travel to New Brunswick, New Jersey, to play in the Battle of the Banks. UMES will open against Georgia Southern at 4:30 p.m. on Friday before capping the week against Marquette on Saturday.
