SUMMARY 

UMES jumped out early and maintained control throughout, using balanced scoring, strong defense and efficient transition play to build a comfortable lead. Freshman Kaliya Perry scored a season-high 23 points as the Hawks stayed steady down the stretch to secure a 90–75 win over Bloomfield College.  

THE SCORE 

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (7-8) - 90 

Bloomfield College (7-6) - 75 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

UMES jumped out to a fast start in the opening quarter, using active defense and efficient shooting to build early separation. After Bloomfield struck first from beyond the arc, Dayshawna Carter answered with a three of her own before sparking an 8–1 run alongside Perry, who converted multiple finishes in the paint off steals and fast breaks. The Hawks forced several turnovers throughout the period, turning defense into offense as freshman Desi Taylor knocked down a pair of three-pointers and senior Brianna Barnes added points at the line. UMES closed the quarter strong with balanced scoring and consistent pressure on both ends, carrying a 28–14 advantage after one. 

The Hawks opened the second quarter with momentum as Taylor knocked down a three-pointer on the Hawks' first possession to extend the lead to 17. Bloomfield responded with a push fueled by turnovers and second-chance opportunities, trimming the margin to single digits midway through the period. Carter steadied the Hawks with strong finishes in the paint and a pull-up jumper, while senior Dakieran Turner made her presence felt on the glass with multiple tip-ins to halt Bloomfield runs. Despite a late surge from the Bears, UMES continued to generate points off steals and fast breaks, highlighted by another transition bucket from Perry and a three-point play from Turner. The Hawks weathered the stretch and carried a 43–35 advantage into the halftime break. 

UMES opened the third quarter with a decisive run to stretch its lead. Perry sparked the period with a layup and free throw before sophomore Kalise Hill and senior Ashanti Lynch capitalized inside off strong ball movement and offensive rebounds. The Hawks' defense fueled the surge, forcing multiple turnovers that turned into transition opportunities, allowing UMES to build a lead as large as 24 midway through the quarter. Bloomfield attempted to answer with a series of fast-break baskets and timely three-point shooting, trimming the margin late, but UMES continued to find answers in the paint. Hill and Perry closed the quarter with consecutive finishes, helping the Hawks maintain control and carry a 72–56 advantage into the final period. 

UMES quickly extended its lead behind second-chance points and transition offense. Perry converted a tip-in and followed with a free throw before Carter finished a fast-break layup to push the advantage past 20. The Hawks continued to apply pressure defensively, forcing turnovers that led to easy baskets, including another fast-break finish from Lynch. Bloomfield attempted to slow the momentum with trips to the free-throw line and timely perimeter shooting, but UMES consistently answered. Sophomore Jaida Cameron provided a spark off the bench with a three-pointer midway through the quarter, while Carter and Perry added late finishes inside to seal the outcome. The Hawks closed out the contest in control, securing a 90–75 victory. 

BY THE NUMBERS 

Saturday afternoon's matchup marked the third time this season UMES has scored at least 90 points. The Hawks finished one point shy of their season-high 91, set against Cheyney University on Nov. 8. 

Kaliya Perry poured in a season-high 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting from the field, while Dayshawna Carter posted her second consecutive game in double figures with 16 points, connecting on 7-of-17 attempts. 

UMES forced 28 turnovers, led by Kalise Hill, who recorded a season-high six steals. 

Ashanti Lynch recorded season highs in both free throws made and rebounds, earning her first double-double of the season with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Lynch knocked down three field goals and went 7-for-8 at the free-throw line. 

UMES registered its ninth game of the season with at least three scorers in double figures, led by Perry (23), Carter (16), Lynch (13) and Kalise Hill (11). 

The Hawks controlled the glass with a 49–37 rebounding advantage, paced by Lynch and Dakieran Turner, who collected 14 and 12 rebounds, respectively. UMES also generated 28 second-chance points compared to Bloomfield's 11, as Turner recorded her second consecutive double-figure rebounding performance. 

UMES set a season high with 20 assists, with Kalise Hill and Dakieran Turner leading the way with seven and six assists, respectively. 

The Hawks built a game-high 24-point lead in the third quarter (61–37), while Bloomfield College's largest advantage was three points in the opening period. 

NEXT UP 

UMES travels to Fairleigh Dickinson for the FDU Christmas Classic with an opening game against Penn on Dec. 29.