MURFREESBORO-  The Hawks improved to 5-8 on the season after a hard fought win against the visiting Shaw University Bears.  The Hawks got off to a hot start and sustained a substantial lead throughout the first half. 

The Hawks were paced by Guard Aaron Scott who netted 15 points in the first half to help the Hawks take a 54-42 lead into halftime.  Chowan took that lead into halftime much because of the way they shot the ball.  Chowan shot 70% from the floor in the first half, 60% from the 3-point line, and 86% from the free throw line.

The second half began much in the same way as the first half ended.  The Hawks came out firing from all cylinders.  The Hawks turned their 12 point half time lead and stretched their lead to 20, 8 minutes into the second half.  The Bears did not go away, with sharpshooting John Kornegay, who went 3-4 from the 3-point line and finished the game with 18 points, the Shaw Bears steadily crept back into the game.  With 5 minutes left in the game the Bears cut the Hawks lead from 20 to 5. 

Key free throw shooting down the stretch from Forward Layth Mansour and Guard Chris Kenon propelled the Hawks to victory.  The Hawks ended the game shooting 52% from the floor and only had 12 turnovers to Shaw's 17.  Five Hawks scored in double figures tonight including three with 15 points.  Chris Kenon, Charles Rhodes, and Aaron Scott all had 15 points for the Hawks, while Jaleel Nelson pitched in 11 and Joe Brice netted 10 points.

The Hawks finish out their home stand Monday night against Mars Hill at the Helms Center.  Game time is slated for 7:30 PM.