Women's Basketball | 11/14/2025 11:02:00 PM

SUMMARY

EVANSTON, Illinois – In the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's first contest against the Big Ten's Northwestern Wildcats, the Hawks came shy of taking the road win as Northwestern held off UMES 69-54.

THE SCORE

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (2-2) - 54

Northwestern Wildcats (3-0) - 69

HOW IT HAPPENED

Throughout the first quarter both sides traded baskets and the lead as Northwestern knocked down the first points of the game only for UMES to immediately answer on an Ashanti Lynch second-chance layup before Kalise Hill knocked down a jumper to give the Hawks a 4-2 lead. From there on both sides traded the lead before the Wildcats managed a 16-14 lead by the end of the quarter. Lynch and Hill led the Hawks through the quarter with four points each while Brianna Barnes, Kaliya Perry and Dayshawna Carter each knocked down a shot.

The second quarter began with Northwestern striking early with seven straight points before Perry put up a jumper for the Hawks' first points of the frame and sparking a run for UMES. While Northwestern held a 25-16 lead, UMES scored 10 straight with Perry, Lynch and Jailynn Clayton provided a spark to the Hawks' offense to come within one, 25-24. While Northwestern made its way to the basket once more to take a three-point lead, a converted and-one opportunity for Hill knotted the game at 27 with 2:59 remaining in the half. Though the Hawks battled to a tie, the Wildcats managed a 10-2 run across the final 2:40 of the half to hold a 37-29 lead over UMES at halftime.

UMES continued to pressure Northwestern in the third quarter as Lynch continued a hot night shooting and Desi Taylor provided a spark with a pair of three-point jumpers in the first few minutes of the quarter to keep the Hawks within striking distance, 43-37, with 6:53 remaining in the third. While UMES saw Brianna Barnes, Lainey Allen and Lynch each continue to add to the team's efforts, the Hawks trailed 56-44 entering the final quarter.

While Northwestern started the fourth quarter with an early three, Allen and Barnes added two points each to keep the frame level before the Wildcats 10-0 run over the middle 4:18 to take a 69-48 lead with 3:21 remaining in the game. The Hawks held Northwestern scoreless through the final 3:21, but were unable to overcome the Wildcats' lead despite going on a 6-0 run with Lynch, Barnes and Jaida Cameron providing the additional offensive firepower.

BY THE NUMBERS

For the second game in a row, senior Ashanti Lynch led the Hawks in scoring with 17 points against the Wildcats while adding nine rebounds, two assists and four steals. Lynch led the Hawks in points, rebounds and steals.

Brianna Barnes was the Hawks' second leading scorer with eight points with Kalise Hill adding seven. The freshman duo of Desi Taylor and Kaliya Perry each added another six points each.

Both sides were relatively even matched in rebounds with the Wildcats taking the slight 34-33 advantage for the game. Through the first half, though, UMES owned a 20-13 advantage on the boards.

Each team shot the ball consistently over 40% from the field, with the Hawks hitting their best quarter right off the start with a 46.% (7-of-15) in the first quarter. However, Northwestern held the advantage from beyond the arc as the team went 8-of-23 (34.8%) while UMES finished the game 3-of-13 (23.1%).

UMES continued to show its depth as the Hawks' bench scored 19 through the game.

NEXT UP

The Hawks stay within the Chicago area for another road game Sunday Loyola University Chicago. UMES will return home on Wednesday for a noon game against UMBC.