RALEIGH, N.C. -- In a showdown of ranked teams, it was the No. 15 University of Maryland Eastern bowling team that prevailed in the semifinals of 2024 MEAC Bowling Championship over the No. 4 North Carolina A&T. 

In a drama filled traditional game, it came down to the final frame between the Top-25 teams. UMES ended up on top by only three points, 894-891, over N.C. A&T. 

In the baker-five game total pinfall match, the score was again neck-and-neck between the No. 1 and No. 3 seeded squads. After getting off to a rough start, N.C. A&T found themselves trailing UMES and needing to drop 53 more pins than the Hawks.

The Aggies closed the game with a fifth game score of 168-149, but the difference was not enough to overcome the earlier fault as Maryland Eastern Shore, the No. 3 seed, claimed the win 996-962 and the champions bracket spot in the final match.  

The Hawks advance to their first MEAC Championship for the first time since 2019. NCAT takes on No. 8 seed Howard, who eliminated fourth seeded UAB, fifth seeded Monmouth, and seventh seeded Norfolk State in the championship, at 9 a.m. on Sunday with the winner earning the right to face UMES for the title.