SUMMARY

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks ended the regular season with a 67-59 conference win over Delaware State on Thursday night.


THE SCORE

Delaware State Hornets (13-7; 6-8) - 59
University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (9-19; 4-10) - 67


HOW IT HAPPENED

The Horents jumped out to a 12-4 lead and led by as many as 11 in the first half. Trailing 27-19, a dunk by Toby Nnadozie sparked a 9-2 Hawk run to close the half as UMES went into the break trailing by one, 29-28.

After claiming a two point lead by the 14:17 mark of the second half, a three pointer by forward Kelechi Okworogwo started an 11-0 run for the Hawks as they extended the lead to 50-37 with 9:41 left. Seemingly in control with a 59-49 lead with 5:24 to go, UMES fell victim to a 7-0 Hornet run. Up 59-56 at the 3:03 mark, the Hawk defense stepped up by holding the Hornets to just one made field goal down the stretch. A layup by Dionte Johnson put UMES back up by five. Johnson, Okworogwo and Nnadozie recorded a pair of made free throws each in the final 1:13 of play to help seal the victory.



THE NUMBERS


UMES finishes the season with a 9-4 record at home this season while holding an impressive combined three year mark of 25-11 on the home court.


Without MEAC leading rebounder Troy Hupstead or routine starter Devon Ellis, the Hawks were picked up by the play of Kelechi Okworogwo and Toby Nnadozie. Okworogwo finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Nnadozie also had 17 points for a new career high scoring mark to go along with five rebounds and three steals.


Jevin Muniz led all scorers with 28 points on the night.


The Hawks were 44.8% from the field (26-58) while the Hornets finished with a 38.8% shooting performance (19-49). 


Led by the scoring of Okworogwo, UMES held a 30-18 edge in points in the paint.




COMMENTS FROM COACH JASON CRAFTON


"To be without our top scorers tonight, other guys had to step up. We had more energy tonight and some guys stepped and made big plays for us when we needed it."


"We have guys who are fighters. Regardless of the situations, we have fought all year long and I was happy with our effort tonight."


"As we get ready for next week, our focus remains to stay on a journey towards a trophy."


"We wanted to rebound, attack the basket and have more energy tonight. Our fans were great supporting us and we continue to do a good job of protecting our home court."


"We feel like we can compete against anyone. We have found ways to respond to every challenge this year. We try to take everything we have learned this year into next week's tournament."





UP NEXT


The Hawks enter the MEAC Tournament as the seventh seed and will play the second seed on Wednesday at 8 pm. This year's MEAC Tournament is held at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.