PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Devin Martin led five players in double figures with 17 points on Thursday and Maryland-Eastern Shore wrapped up the regular season with its most wins in 41 years with an 89-76 win over Morgan State.
Dominique Elliott added 15 points, Mike Myers had 13, Devon Walker 11 and Ryan Andino 10 for the Hawks (18-13, 11-6 Mid-Eastern Athletic). Maryland-Eastern Shore has not won 18 games since going 27-2 in 1973-74.
The game marked the first time Morgan State has been swept in a season series with the Hawks since 2012 and capped a season that can be described as uncharacteristic for the program.
The Bears ended regular season play with a 7-23 record (5-11 MEAC) – the worst record they have had since the 2005-06 season – and secured the No. 11 seed in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament next week. The team will play No. 6 seed Hampton. The winner of the matchup will face No. 3 seed UMES in the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 12.
The Bears managed to have four players score in double-figures in their loss against UMES. Junior forward
Cedric Blossom led the way with 17 points and seven rebounds.
Torin Childs-Harris had a season-high 15 points,
Blake Bozeman added 12 and
Cliff Cornish chipped in 11.
The Bears converted 45 percent (28-62) from the floor, but struggled with the long-ball where they were held to 4-of-16 shooting from 3-point territory. Whereas the Hawks shot 50 percent (33-66), including 52.9 percent from the three (9-17) and 82 percent (14-17) from the free throw line.
Martin went 4 of 5 from the field, including his three 3-pointers, as the Hawks shot 51.7 percent to build a 42-29 lead.
The MEAC Tournament begins Monday, March 9 at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va. The Bears will enter the tournament attempting to snap a 5-game losing streak.
For more MEAC Tournament information go to www.meachoops.com
Game NoteThe ballgame's originally scheduled start time (7:30 p.m.) was changed to 4 p.m. due to the inclement weather that affected the Eastern Shore area.
