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Feb. 3, 2005
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Lady Hawks defeated the American University Lady Eagles in a thrilling overtime victory, 62-59. Paced by three players in double figures, UMES pushed their overall record to 8-11 and rides a three game win streak as they head back into conference play. In the first half it appeared as if the only way the Lady Hawks would drop this contest was on the Eagles fast break. In the half court, UMES was able to completely shut down American's game plan, but three fast break lay-ups by sophomore Tara Williams gave American an early 6-5 lead. American recorded 10 fast-break points as well as causing three UMES fouls that resulted in four more points from the free-throw line. With just under three minutes remaining in the first half, the Lady Hawks trailed by 11-points at 29-18 following a quick 5-0 run. However, a late surge by the Lady Hawks closed the Eagles advantage to only seven as the score at half was 33-26. UMES was out shot in the first half 42% (13-31) to 33% (10-30) and out rebounded 22-20. Williams led all scores with eight points, while sophomore Ashley Chase (Baltimore, Md./Paul Lawrence Dunbar H.S.) led the Lady Hawks with six points, behind her two three-pointers. The Lady Hawks struggles continued early in the second half as the American lead was extended to 11-points as the Eagles converted around the basket and UMES had a tough time finding open looks or chances without contact. However, as the case has been all season with this team, the Lady Hawks fought their way right back into the game behind a 6-0 run to make it 41-37. Chase deposited two buckets sandwiching a pair of three-throw hits from freshman Kolade Aderoju (Bladensburg, Md./Bladensburg H.S.). Minutes later UMES tied the game and took its first lead since 5-4 in the first half as junior Toni Kennedy (Baltimore, Md./Grayson County College) and freshman Kristi Veltkamp (Lansing, Mich./Lansing Home School) buried back-to-back three-pointers.
With under a minute left the Lady Hawks came out of a timeout and turned the ball over to the Eagles. However, the Eagles returned the favor as Williams dribbled baseline and stepped out of bounds. With under 30-seconds and no shot clock to worry about, the Lady Hawks found Veltkamp all alone under the basket. Veltkamp's attempt to win the game rolled twice around the edge of the rim, held up for about two seconds and eventually slide out of the cylinder, sending the game to overtime. This was the Lady Hawks' third overtime game of the season and second straight overtime contest on the road, as they were coming off a 85-75 overtime win against North Carolina A&T on January 29. In UMES' other overtime game, they defeated Florida A&M, 71-68. UMES traded baskets with American over the first four minutes of overtime as the score remained tied at 57-57. However, an offensive rebound and put back by junior Daynese Stowe (Philadelphia, Pa./Flordia C.C.) and a clutch three-pointer with under a 30-seconds remaining by Chase put the Lady Hawks up 62-59 with 14.6 seconds left. The maroon and gray held strong with their pressure defense causing the Eagles to shot an airball out of bounds. On the inbounds, Veltkamp was fouled and could have sealed the game with six seconds remaining. However, she missed both free throws, but on the rebound American knocked the ball out of bounds and all the Lady Hawks needed to do was inbound the ball and run the rest of the time off the clock to stay unbeaten in overtime. After trailing in the first half 33-26, the Lady Hawks outscored the Eagles 36-36 in the second half and overtime. Chase paced the way with a team-high 17 points, while two other Lady Hawks reach double-figures. Kennedy and Veltkamp each contributed 13 points as the two combined to score seven of the teams nine overtime points. UMES is back in action on Saturday, February 5, as they travel to Delaware State for a 2:00pm tip off. |
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