Hawks Hang Tough, but Fall to Terps
COLLEGE PARK, Md.— The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) played its best half of basketball of the season on Saturday against No. 6 Maryland and then followed that up with another good one before falling 77-56 at the Xfinity Center in College Park.
Dominique Elliott put up a game-high 20 points to go along with a game-high eight rebounds and a pair of assists in 36 minutes for the Hawks (1-9, 0-2 MEAC).
Elliott’s presence in the paint, helped keep the Hawks close for much of the game as they stayed within 15 points until the final two minutes.
Melo Trimble got hot early in the second half for the Terps hitting a pair of open 3’s and the Terps were 4-of-9 from behind the arc in the second half. Trimble was a perfect 4-of-4 from 3-point range and finished with 18 points and four assists.
Devin Martin scored 11 points on 5-of-16 shooting and finished with five rebounds and 4 assists after being hounded all night on the perimeter.
The Hawks outrebounded the Terps 28-26 and outshot them in the first half, but gave up baskets at a 63-percent clip in the second half.
To beat Maryland, Hawks’ coach Bobby Collins said he knew the team would have had to play a perfect game. While they didn’t, he was really pleased with the effort.
UMES will travel to Old Dominion on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. and American University on Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. when they will hope to build on the momentum of this game.
For complete story, visit www.umeshawks.com
Johnson Returns to Akron, but Zips beat Wildcats
AKRON, Ohio – Ricky Johnson posted season-highs of 15 points and five rebounds in his homecoming Saturday as Bethune-Cookman fell to Akron 81-60 in Rhodes Arena.
Jake Kretzer scored 16 points and four starters scored in double figures as the Zips (7-2) drained 15 three-pointers and snap a two-game Wildcat (4-5) winning Streak.
Johnson, who had more than 30 friends and family in attendance, led the Wildcats in scoring for the first time this season.
Bethune-Cookman trailed by as many as 23 in the second, but cut the deficit to 65-54 on a Mario Moody lay-up with 6:50 remaining, but could pull no closer.
Mario Moody posted his third consecutive double-double, finishing with 12 points and matching a career-high of 14 rebounds. B-CU outrebounded Akron 47-41 by getting 22 on the offensive glass.
Jordan Potts also scored 12 points. Randy Holmes added nine.
B-CU returns home to host The Citadel Wednesday.
For complete story, visit www.bcuathletics.com
Delaware State falls to Michigan
ANN ARBOR Mich.— Delaware State narrowly avoided a record-low scoring performance in an 80-33 loss to Michigan in a nationally-televised contest (ESPNU) at the Crisler Center this afternoon.
Kavon Waller and DeAndre Haywood led Delaware State with six points each, while Devin Morgan and Artem Tavakalyan each scored five.
DSU freshman center Demola Onifade topped all players with a career-high nine rebounds and tied his career-best with three blocks.
Michigan led 38-18 at the break and outscored the Hornets 42-15 in the second half.
The Hornets had just three second half points before Haywood hit two free throws with 6:52 remaining in the game.
Michigan won the rebound battle 41-29. The Hornets have been outrebounded in each game this season.
DSU was also plagued by 17 turnovers. Michigan had 23 assists and just seven turnovers in the game.
The Hornets will remain on the road for their next contest on Tuesday against first-time opponent Grand Canyon University. Game time is 9 p.m. ET in Phoenix, Ariz.
For complete story, visit www.dsuhornets.com