Hawks fade away in second half at Virginia Tech

 
SUMMARY

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks faded away in the second half in Sunday's 82-53 loss at Virginia Tech.
 

 
THE SCORE

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (4-11) – 53
Virginia Tech Hokies (10-2) - 82
 


 
HOW IT HAPPENED


The Hawks and Hokies traded baskets throughout the early stages of the first half. A 10-0 run by Virginia Tech with under five minutes remaining in the opening half proved to be the major difference between the two squads as UMES faced a 38-29 halftime deficit.

 
The perimeter shooting of the Hawks went cold through the first nine minutes of the second half as UMES missed all eight three point attempts during that span. Trailing 55-39 at the 11:43 mark, UMES was not able to mount any significant momentum on offense. With under six minutes to go, UMES had yet to make a three-pointer in the half and were just six-of-21 from the field. The Hokies took control during the UMES shooting woes, stretching the lead to 65-43.

 
Virginia Tech remained in full control down the stretch, leading by as many as 31 before cruising to the 82-53 win.
 
 
 



 
BY THE NUMBERS
 

Virginia Tech has won the last seven meetings against UMES dating back to the 2013-14 season.

 
The Hawks made 21 of 57 shot attempts (36.8%) while Virginia Tech was 31 for 57 from the field (54.4%)

 
UMES was outscored, 40-24, in the paint and 15-6 in points off turnovers.

 
The Hokies had a balanced scoring attack paced by 16 points from Neoklis Avdales. Virginia Tech had five players score in double-figures. All nine players Virginia Tech players who logged minutes scored in the ball game.

 
Dorion Staples and Christopher Flippin each had seven points to lead UMES scorers.
 




COMMENTS FROM COACH CLEO HILL, JR
 

"We came out and played well in the first half and I like the way our guys competed on both ends of the floor early on. I was pleased with our overall effort in rebounding. Virginia Tech did an excellent job of executing their offense towards the end of the half and we never were able to fully recover."
 

"I am going to have to take a look at our shot selection. I think we could have been better at making the extra pass and finding a better opportunity on offense. Whenever we had a scoring drought, Virginia Tech took full advantage and was able to build a big lead on us."
 

"We learn a lot from these games. We have played a few teams from the ACC this season and our players get to experience what it takes to play at a high level. We will regroup and refocus as we continue this long December road trip."
 
 

 
 
 
UP NEXT


The Hawks play at Wagner on Wednesday at 7 pm.