Box Score RICHMOND, VA- The Chowan University men's basketball team closed out the regular season with an 89-77 win over Virginia Union University on Saturday evening.  The Hawks head into the CIAA Tournament with a 12-14 overall record and 6-10 mark in league play while the Panthers slip to 6-19 overall and 5-11 against CIAA competition.
 
Kyree Bethel and Kortez Smith led all players in the game with 25 points apiece in the win.  Ashante Ross chipped in 15 while Phoenix Butler-Poole added 11 points and hauled in 12 rebounds (three offensive, nine defensive).   Omar Briggs paced the Panthers with 22 points while Avery Jirmnson and Ray Anderson added 14 and 12 points respectively. 
 
The Hawks jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead to take control early in the contest.  Chowan maintained the advantage through the entire first half and led by as many as nine points (31-22) with 4:09 left before halftime.  The Panthers orchestrated a 12-3 run to knot the score 34-34 at the end of the first half. 
 
Chowan fell behind 40-36 at the start of the second half, but regained the momentum after back-to-back three-pointers from Mark Anthony Buright and Bethel with 16:23 left in the game.  From there, it was all about the Hawks as they cruised to the 89-77 victory.  The win was the first for the Hawks in Barco-Stevens Hall. 
 
The Hawks head to Charlotte, NC and Time Cable Arena next week.  Complete bracket information will be released as it becomes available.