Box Score

MURFREESBORO – For the second time this season, the Chowan University Hawks and Barton College Bulldogs played a nail-biter basketball game.  Unlike on November 22^nd, though, the Hawks came away with the three point victory, 62-59.  This marked the first time in Head Coach Patrick Mashuda's seven-plus year tenure that he has defeated Barton.
 
With a minute left in the game, Chowan held a narrow 58-57 lead, but Nyeshea Willie drained two free throws for Barton to give them a one point lead with 50 seconds remaining.  Ransheda Jennings quickly came back with a layup to regain the lead for the Hawks, 60-59.
 
A huge blocked shot by CIAA Rookie of the Week Summer Curtis led to two free throws by Talaya Lynch to give Chowan a 62-59 advantage with 33 seconds showing.  Barton managed to get off five shots in the final 27 seconds, but could not connect on any of them, as Chowan came away with the victory. 
 
“Coming down the stretch, we weren't able to grab a lot of rebounds but we certainly were not going to let them get a good look at the hoop, said Mashuda.  “Summer (Curtis) has just been outstanding at being a sponge in practice and picking up what we teach her.  Her development this season has been amazing and it really speaks to her character.”
 
Curtis finished with eight rebounds and five blocked shots, to go along with four points.  Talaya Lynch led Chowan on the offensive end with 18 points, including going 8-11 from the free throw line.  Jennings was not far behind with 16 points on 5-11 shooting.
 
Coming into tonight, the Bulldogs were shooting over 35% from the floor, but shot just 24% tonight (18 of 75).  “Our defense was much better tonight,” added Mashuda.  “We did a better job of getting out on their three-point shooters and stopping the driving lanes.”
 
Barton moves to 4-4 on the season, while Chowan improves to 3-5.  This was the first time this season that Barton lost to an un-ranked team.  “Bottom line is this,” quipped Mashuda.  “We beat a very good Barton team tonight.  To come back from a disappointing game against Clayton State on Friday shows a lot about this team's character.”
 
Curtis gave Chowan a quick 19-7 lead at the 9:31 mark of the first half with an offensive rebound and layup.  Barton cut the lead to nine at the 4:13 mark, but would not be able to pull any closer for the remainder of the half.  Chowan held a 31-21 lead at halftime.
 
The Bulldogs cut into the Chowan lead early in the second half, bringing the score to 35-29 Chowan just 3:02 into the second half.  The Hawks responded, though, with a quick 6-1 run to regain a 12 point lead. 
 
Much like in their first meeting, Barton rallied in the second half.  A 13-2 run brought the Bulldogs within one at 47-46 with 6:28 remaining.  After Chowan held a 52-47 lead with 5:08 on the clock, neither team gained more than a three point lead.
 
Four players scored in double figures for Barton, led by Nyeshea Willie and Elaine Morgan who each scored 11.  Faith Hunter and Shante Neal recorded 10 points apiece.
 
Barton grabbed 54 rebounds, compared to 40 for Chowan.  Of those 54, 27 of them were offensive.  Chowan committed 32 turnovers to Barton's 25.  Chowan held a 30 to 20 advantage in points in the paint. 
 
Chowan will next travel to UNC-Pembroke on Wednesday, December 14^th.