COLUMBIA, SC- The Chowan University men's basketball team improved to 7-9 on the season after defeating Allen University 80-63 today in Columbia, South Carolina.

The Hawks were in control the entire game.  During the first half the Hawks built their lead as high as 18 points.  As the first half progressed Allen University was able to start creeping back into the game.  However, time was on the side for Chowan.  Just as Allen was putting together a run the half ended and the momentum stopped.  The Hawks took a 13 point lead into halftime.

The second half began much like the first half ended.  Allen was able to keep their momentum going and were able to come to within 8 points of the Hawks half way through the second half.  Just as Allen was creeping back into the game, Hawks Forward Layth Mansour was able to complete an old school three point play after being fouled and making his shot.  This pushed the Hawks lead back to 11 and from there the Hawks never looked back.

The Hawks were able to control the pace of the rest of the half which enabled them to pull away and pick up the 80-63 win.

The Hawks were carried by great individual performances today.  Layth Mansour led the Hawks with a monster game.  Layth netted 19 points and had 17 rebounds for the Hawks.  Jaleel Nelson also had a great game with 16 points and 7 rebounds.  Chris Kenon also helped the Hawks netting 13 points and dishing out 9 assists.

The Hawks are now off until January 16th when they travel to Charlotte to battle Queen's University.