ELIZABETH CITY, NC – Despite a quick start, the Chowan Men's Basketball team fell on the road to Elizabeth City State University Thursday night, 83-72. The loss sends Chowan to 1-16 overall (0-9 CIAA, 0-3 North). The Vikings move to 12-5 overall (6-3 CIAA, 2-1 North).Sophomore Deandre Tyree and senior Charles Rhodes opened the game on fire as they scored 11 of the team's first 15 points, leading the Hawks to an early 15-8 lead. Five straight points by Trent Bivens eventually evened the score at 17 with 10:32 remaining in the half.  Not to be outdone, Rhodes converted a pair of fast break layups and a three to give the Hawks another seven point lead. Shortly after, the Vikings turned the tables once again and went on an 8-0 run, capped by a Deon Rice three pointer, to take a 30-26 lead. After a Rhodes trey, Elizabeth City scored 12 of the final 14 points of the half, giving the home team a 42-31 advantage at the break.

 

Both offenses had efficient starts to the second half, as Chowan hit its first three shots, while ECSU converted on five of their first six. While Chowan's offense found ways to score, the Vikings seemed to always have an answer. ECSU opened up their largest lead of the evening, a 19 point cushion, 6:14 into the second half; a deficit the Hawks simply could not come back from. A Rhodes three at the 9:23 mark pulled the game within 11, but Chowan would not get any closer. 

 

The teams traded baskets much of the latter part of the second half, as neither squad could put together a run. The Vikings made six of their last seven free throw attempts, assuring the home victory. The Hawks were led by Rhodes and Tyree, who scored 22 and 21, respectively. Rhodes was a perfect 5-5 from beyond the arc, while Tyree converted 9 of 15 field goals. Elizabeth City State was led by Paul Goldsmith, who notched 20 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. 

 

Chowan was very accurate from the floor, shooting 49.2%, including 50% (5-10) from three point land. The Vikings owned a huge disparity in bench points, outscoring Chowan's subs 43-12. Chowan returns home this Saturday to take on Virginia Union University at 4:00pm. ECSU travels to Virginia State University this Saturday for a 7:30pm tip-off.