Box Score Hawks drop road MEAC contest at Morgan State


 
SUMMARY

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks lost Saturday's MEAC game at Morgan State University, 76-63.
 
 
THE SCORE

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (4-17; 0-5) – 63
Morgan State Bears (10-12; 4-2) – 76
 
 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Hawks opened the first minute with a putback and a fast break dunk from freshman Maurice Vassel to take an early lead. With the score tied up at eight a piece, the Bears went on a 5-1 run and held a 15-12 advantage by the 12 minute mark of the opening half. A 11-0 run by the Bears over a span of three minutes suddenly had the Hawks down by double figures, 27-14, with 7:04 remaining in the first half.
 
A fading three pointer by Evan Johnson ended the UMES scoring drought at the 6:41 mark. The Hawks battle back to narrow the deficit down to five, 32-27, by the halftime thanks to a 9-2 scoring run as Johnson went into the break leading all scorers with 11 points.
 
The Hawks found momentum in the early stages of the first half. A three pointer from Trey Hall and two midrange makes by Ketron "KC" Shaw gave UMES a 38-37 lead by the 16:48 mark. After swapping baskets over the next two minutes, Morgan State went on a 11-2 run to gain a 59-48 lead with 9:23 to go.
 
Up 64-57 with just over six minutes to play, the Bears took full control with a 8-0 run. A jump shot by MSU's Will Thomas gave the Bears a 72-57 lead with 1:54 to play. The Bears worked the clock over the final 90 seconds as UMES fell on the road, 76-63.
 
 
 
 
 
BY THE NUMBERS
 
UMES was 22 of 56 from the field (39.3%) while MSU made 27 of 53 shot attempts (50.3%).
 
MSU held a 19-12 edge in points scored off turnovers.
 
Evan Johnson led UMES with  a season-high 25 points along with six rebounds and three assists. KC Shaw added 12 points.
 
Will Thomas led MSU with 24 points and six rebounds.
 
 

COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH CLEO HILL, JR.

 
 "I thought we played well at time tonight but there were too many times where we were out of rotation defensively or made a untimely turnover that ultimately cost us the game. I thought Morgan State played an excellent game and maintained a high level of intensity. We will learn from today and get better."


"We continue to struggle to rebound and box out aggressively. I thought Morgan State showed that they wanted the basketball more. Combining that with the way we struggled to shoot the ball, it made it tough to overcome."


"We have to get back to work and get ready for our game on Monday. We look forward to being at home and doing all the things necessary to get a win."

 
 
UP NEXT

The Hawks host Coppin State on Monday night. To reserve tickets, visit https://umeshawksports.com/sports/2024/10/14/TICKETS.aspx