Dodson, Davis Combine To Lead Morgan State To Win Over UMES
Morgan State 43, Maryland Eastern Shore 39
Winston-Salem, NC - Theresa Davis scored all nine of her points in the second half and Brittany Dodson collected eight of her team-high 10 points after intermission to help Morgan State hold off Maryland Eastern Shore, 43-39 in the quarterfinal round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women's basketball tournament at Joel Coliseum.
The Lady Bears (17-13), the Number 2 seed, jumped out to an early lead, bolting out to a 20-6 lead before the Lady Hawks (12-19), the Number 7 seed, closed out with a 6-4 run. Morgan State led 24-12 at intermission.
"We got off to a good start and did a pretty job of executing our offense," said Morgan State Coach Donald Beasley. "It gave us a cushion and that was important."
The Lady Bears maintained a 10-12 point advantage through the early part of the second half until UMES mounted a spirited comeback, outscoring Morgan State, 21-10 over a 14-minute span to take its first lead at 33-32 at the 6:42 mark. The rally was led by Adobi Agbasi and Casey Morton, who combined for 14 second half points.
"My hats are off to Morgan State and their efforts today," said Batchelor. "We had to face a lot of adversity, playing so many games in a short span, falling behind early and playing with a short bench. But we battled back and had a chance to win. I could not be prouder of this group and the effort that they showed today."
The low scoring contest turned into a seesaw battle that featured three lead changes and three ties in the last three minutes. Davis and Dodson scored their team's last 11 points. Davis, who had missed the past four games due to an injury, did most of her damage in the post while Dodson was clutch at the free throw line, converting on all four of her attempts.
Amber Cook of UMES led all scorers with 12 while Agbasi contributed 11.
Morgan State will take on the winner of the Howard-North Carolina A&T game in the semifinals on Friday at 2:30 p.m.
McMillan Leads Hampton To Easy Win Over SC State
Hampton 78, South Carolina State 55
Winston-Salem, N.C. - Choicetta McMillan poured in a career- and game-high 24 points to lead five players in double figures and help Hampton cruise to an easy 78-55 win over South Carolina State in the quarterfinal round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women's tournament at Joel Coliseum.
The Lady Pirates (23-6), the Number 1 seed, advance to the semifinals on Friday at 12 noon against the winner of the Coppin State-Florida A&M game. Hampton is the defending tournament champion.
McMillan set the tone at the start for Hampton, tallying 18 points on a sizzling display of outside shooting. The 5-5 junior guard from Fairfield, TX knocked down 6 of 9 from beyond the arc to lead all scorers and propel the Lady Pirates to a comfortable 42-25 lead.
Equally effective in the first half success was the play of junior guard Jericka Jenkins, who ran the Hampton offense to perfection as she dished out eight assists and committed no turnovers. Lewis, a first team all-MEAC selection, came into the game second in the country in assists. Quanneisha Perry, the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, contributed five points and six rebounds.
"We have a formula that if we play tough defense at all times and play unselfish basketball, we have a chance to be successful," explained David Six, who was named the MEAC Coach of the Year.
"They got out to the big lead and we were not able to catch up," said SC State head coach Doug Robertson. "We gave a good effort but, as you saw, it was not enough."
The Lady Bulldogs (12-17), the Number 8 seed, were led by Tracey Flowers with and Tiara Knotts, who came off the bench to add 10 points.
Warner finished with 15, Avant with 12 off the bench and Perry and Jenkins with 11 and 10, respectively. Jenkins finished with a career-best 13 assists.