Box Scores vs. Cheney
MURFREESBORO - The Hawks picked up their second win of the season after battling with Cheney University (PA) this afternoon at the Helms Center. Chowan pulled out a 64-57 win after battling back from an eighteen point first half deficit.
Chowan's bench provided all the spark the Hawks needed to get back in to the game in the first period. Trailing 25-7 with 5:42 to play in the first half, Nichelle Bethea scored eight consecutive points to get Chowan into double digit scoring. AJ O'Banion connected on back-to-back buckets to get Chowan within 11 points of the Wolves. Bethea and Ransheda Jennings gave Chowan their final six points to cut the Wolves lead to 31-23 at the halftime break.
The second half featured 11 led changes and three ties but it was Chowan who had the final say today. Alicia McMorris came out of the locker room to nail down a three pointer to get the momentum going for Chowan into the second half. The Hawks chipped away at the Wolves' lead when O'Banion converted a lay up in traffic to knot the game at 35-35 with 16:13 to play. O'Banion connected again on the Hawks' next possession to give them their first lead at 37-35.
The two teams exchanged baskets in a tight game until Chowan's Maddie Cummings broke the tie up for good when she converted a basket on a fast break and a 58-57 lead. The Hawks went 6-8 from the charity stripe over the final 1:30 to play in the game to keep Cheney at bay. The Hawks went on to win with the eventual 64-57 score.
Chowan hit 40% (21-52) from the field and held Cheney to 34% (21-62). The Wolves won the battle under the boards with 46 total rebounds to Chowan's 35. Eighteen of Cheney's rebounds came on the offensive end of the court.
For Chowan three players scored in double figures with Nicholson getting 13 points. She also had three steals and three assists. Bethea had a season-high 12 points and four rebounds while O'Banion netted 10 points and dished out four assists.
For Cheney Angel Stephens had a team-high 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The Hawks will travel to Virginia State on December 18th in their next match up. Tip off is set for 5:00pm.
