SUMMARY 

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore put together a strong all-around performance, but fell just short in an 87–86 overtime battle against Towson. The Hawks set the tone early with efficient offense and active defense, building a 22–16 first-quarter lead and carrying a 45–30 advantage into halftime. Towson chipped away in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to four, before a back-and-forth fourth quarter featured multiple lead changes. Freshman Desi Taylor buried a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime, but Towson edged ahead at the free-throw line late in the extra period, escaping with the one-point win. 

THE SCORE 

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (6-8) - 86 

Towson Tigers (5-5) - 87 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

UMES opened the game with strong energy on both ends, building an early advantage behind efficient offense and active defense. Senior Ashanti Lynch set the tone early with a jumper and layup, while Dayshawna Carter added a three pointer and a finish at the rim to push the Hawks ahead. Towson stayed within reach by converting second-chance opportunities, but UMES continued to find answers, getting interior buckets from sophomore Kalise Hill, freshman Kaliya Perry and senior Brianna Barnes. The Hawks closed the quarter on a high note as Taylor knocked down a three in the final seconds, giving UMES a 22–16 lead after one. 

UMES controlled the second quarter with strong defense and balanced scoring, extending its lead through transition buckets and efficient finishes inside. Freshman Jailynn Clayton sparked the Hawks early with a steal and fast-break layup, while sophomore Candela Sabater Sánchez knocked down a three to stretch the margin. Barnes and Carter consistently converted in the paint, and Hill added a fast-break finish as UMES continued to capitalize on turnovers. The Hawks closed the half with Taylor's layup in the final seconds, remembering the quarter with a commanding 45–30 advantage at the break. 

Towson made a push in the third quarter, trimming UMES's halftime lead behind transition buckets and timely three-point shooting. Carter and Barnes opened the period with interior finishes to keep the Hawks in front, but Towson answered with a run that cut the margin to a single possession. Hill provided a steady response for UMES, scoring multiple times in the paint and on the break, while Candela Sabater Sanchez connected from beyond the arc late in the quarter to help restore separation. Despite Towson's surge, the Hawks maintained control and carried a 64–60 advantage into the final period. 

The fourth quarter featured multiple lead changes as Towson surged early to briefly take the advantage, but UMES continued to respond in key moments. Carter anchored the Hawks down the stretch with a series of strong finishes in the paint, while seniors Dakieran Turner and Barnes added crucial free throws to keep UMES within striking distance. After Towson pulled ahead late, Taylor delivered a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds to force overtime, sending the game tied at 80–80 at the end of regulation. 

Overtime opened with UMES striking first as Carter finished inside to give the Hawks a two-point edge, but Towson answered with second-chance opportunities to keep the game tight. Hill calmly knocked down a pair of free throws midway through the period to briefly put UMES back in front, though the Tigers continued to counter with baskets in the paint. In the final seconds, Towson edged ahead at the free-throw line, and despite one last possession for the Hawks, UMES was unable to convert as the Tigers escaped with an 87–86 win in overtime. 

BY THE NUMBERS 

Wednesday's contest marked the Hawks' first overtime appearance of the 2025–26 season. 

Dayshawna Carter posted a season-high 21 points, shooting 8-for-15 from the field. 

 Candela Sabater Sanchez recorded a career high in three-point field goals made, going 2-for-3 from beyond the arc.  

Desi Taylor was perfect from the floor in the loss, finishing 3-for-3 overall and 2-for-2 from three-point range. 

Dakieran Turner recorded a season-high 10 rebounds, pulling down five offensive boards and five defensive rebounds. 

UMES registered its eighth game of the season with at least three scorers in double figures, led by Carter (21), Kalise Hill (16) and Brianna Barnes (14). 

The Hawks built a game-high 17-point advantage in the third quarter (47–30), while Towson's largest lead was three points late in the fourth quarter (80–77). 

NEXT UP 

UMES finishes its three-game homestand with a 1 p.m. matchup with Bloomfield College on Saturday.