Box Score SUMMARY

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks were edged by the Morgan State Bears, 70-65, in MEAC action on Saturday.



THE SCORE


Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (7-15; 2-6) - 65

Morgan State Bears (9-15; 5-3) - 70



HOW IT HAPPENED


The Bears jumped out to a 13-2 lead during the opening five minutes of play. Kiran Oliver scored on a fastbreak layup to give the Bears a 19-8 lead with 11:13 remaining, before the Hawks battled back and closed the gap. The Hawks mounted a 13-3 run over a nine minute span and Devon Ellis scored on a layup to help UMES take its first lead of the game at 23-22. Kelechi Okworogwo buried a 3-pointer at the buzzer as the Hawks went into the intermission with a 28-26 advantage.

UMES opened the second half with a 12-0 run and Troy Hupstead's layup gave the Hawks their largest lead of the night at 40-26. Wynston Tabbs scored eight points to lead the Bears on an 18-3 run. Amahrie Simpkins scored off a pass from Kiran Oliver to help Morgan retake the lead at 44-43 with 9:38 remaining.

The Hawks kept the game close down the stretch as a jumper by Devon Ellis trimmed Morgan's lead to 59-57 with just under 2 minutes left to play. Morgan connected on 11-of-12 free throws down the stretch to hold on for the 70-65 victory.
 
 

 
 
BY THE NUMBERS
 
Morgan connected on 39.6 percent (21-53) of their shots from the field and was 11 of 23 from behind the arc, while the Hawks shot 40 percent from the field and connected on 5 of 15 (.333) 3-pointers. Morgan shot .781 (25-32) from the free throw line, compared to the Hawks' .462 percent (12-26).


The Hawks outrebounded Morgan by a 42-40 margin.


Morgan's bench outscored the Hawks by a 27-9 margin.
 
Saturday's contest marked the 100th meeting between the schools ... The Bears lead the series 58-42.


UMES dropped its 13th straight road contest this season (0-13).
 
Sophomore Devon Ellis led the Hawks with a game-high 22 points (8-14 FG) and ten rebounds in 33 minutes.

Junior Troy Hupstead added 11 points (5-12 FG), nine rebounds and a game-high four blocked shots in 24 minutes.
 
Dionte Johnson finished with 10 points and five boards.
 
 

 
COMMENTS FROM COACH JASON CRAFTON
 
"We still have to find a way and learn how to win on the road. We had a great chance to do so tonight and simply did not execute down the stretch."
 
"We missed some key free throws and I was disappointed in our shot selection during important possessions. I thought we looked very good when we stuck to our game plan and executed."
 
"Every game in the MEAC is a grind and a battle. We have another opportunity to get back on track against Coppin State on Monday."
 
 

 
UP NEXT


The Hawks continue MEAC play at home against Coppin State on Monday night.