The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks men’s basketball team ended its season on March 13 after an 83-76 overtime loss to North Carolina Central in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament.
The result means the Hawks were unable to advance in the tournament, closing their season with a record of 9-23. The game was closely contested, with both teams exchanging leads and momentum throughout regulation before North Carolina Central pulled away in overtime.
Maryland Eastern Shore started strong, building a double-digit lead early in the first half. Key contributions came from Michael Teal, Dorion Staples, Justin Monden, Christopher Flippin, and Joseph Locandro. Despite leading by as many as 15 points in the first half, the Hawks saw their advantage shrink as North Carolina Central battled back. At halftime, Maryland Eastern Shore led 40-34.
In the second half, North Carolina Central took its first lead following a scoring run and eventually went ahead by ten points. The Hawks responded with late baskets and free throws to tie the game at the end of regulation after a three-pointer from Staples sent it into overtime. However, North Carolina Central controlled the extra period and secured victory.
Zion Obanla led Maryland Eastern Shore with a season-high 21 points and eight rebounds. Staples added 14 points while Monden scored 13 and Locandro contributed 12. For North Carolina Central, Dionte Johnson scored 26 points including eight-for-eight from the free throw line.
Head coach Cleo Hill, Jr. said after the game: “We fought throughout the ballgame. I thought we started out extremely well and then became a little carless with the basketball. I think we had too many defensive lapses and let them back into the game by halftime. We fell behind in the second half but responded with toughness to force overtime. In the end, they did a better job of executing at the right times.” He continued: “I do feel like we had a great chance to win this game and make a statement at the tournament. We did some good things this year as a team but I do think we underachieved. I think some of the things that hurt us today in the game are the same things that have been holding us back all year.” Hill concluded: “I am proud of the effort and dedication this team displayed this season, We had a lot of upperclassman who provided leadership for us and now we’ll turn our focus towards recruiting the right mix of guys who can come in here and make an impact.”
