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Feb. 4, 2008
BALTIMORE, Md. - It may have taken four seasons, but University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Head Coach Fred Batchelor got his first win over the Lady Eagles of Coppin State University with a 69-62 decision in the Coppin Center on Monday night. The win gives UMES their fifth straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) win, the last four of which have been on the road. It also means that the Lady Hawks elevate themselves to the top half of the conference standings, making the rivalry game against Delaware State on Wednesday even bigger. UMES got the win with some outstanding scoring and tremendous defense. UMES placed four players in double figures and for the second straight game had two players each record a double double. Reigning MEAC Player of the Week April McBride posted 18 points and grabbed 16 boards while senior Brittany Adkins recorded her second career double double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. UMES got scoring from Casey Morton, who tallied 18 points and reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Week Tiffany Reid who added 15. Reid added three steals and dished out three assists as well. The Hawks dominated the boards with Chena Parker chipping in with 10 to make it three UMES players in double digit caroms. Jessica Ayilola also came up big with six boards as well to make it a huge 55-35 UMES advantage on the glass. In what was a well played game, there were just 31 turnovers between the two clubs, UMES seemed to take advantage of their opportunities. They converted twice the points in the paint (16-8), outscored CSU off of turnovers (18-17) and won the second chance points (21-8). The all-around good game saw seven lead changes and five ties and UMES up three, 27-24 at half-time. They took the lead with 49 second remaining in the first half on a pair of McBride free throws, 25-24.
They would not trail the remainder of the game. The only thing UMES didn't seem to do better than the Eagles was shoot the ball, as Coppin had a clear advantage from the floor but simply didn't get as many shots as UMES did, whether it was from the floor, behind the arc, or from the charity stripe. The free throw line was a huge advantage for UMES as they took 40 free throws to the Eagles' 21. The Hawks converted just 24 of their free throws, but making more than your opponent takes can be a significant advantage. "This was a great win," said Batchelor. "We did a nice job of getting good plays and great rebounding. We scored when we had to and really found a way to control the game. I am proud of the team effort." UMES hopes to extend their winning streak to six on Wednesday when they host Delaware State at 6 p.m. in the W.P. Hytche Center. |
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