Box Score MURFREESBORO- The Chowan University men's basketball team edged Lincoln University (PA) 75-71 on Wednesday evening in the Helms Center.  The Hawks advance to 19-7 overall and 11-4 in CIAA play with the victory while the Lions slide to 9-17 overall and 7-8 in the league after Wednesday's setback.  Wednesday's win tied the program's record for most wins in a season (19).  The last team to earn the honor was the 2005-06 squad. 

Kortez Smith drained 31 points in the win for the Hawks, matching his career high.  Twenty-five of Smith's points occurred during the second half. Marco Haskins added 12 points in the victory while Jeremy Smith and Josh Mellette each drained eight points for the Chowan Blue and White. 

Vernon Young scored 23 points for the Lions with Jordan Watson and Quaman Burton adding 11 points and 10 points, respectively.

Chowan and Lincoln (PA) exchanged baskets in the opening stretch of the first half with neither team able to maintain solid grip of the momentum.  With the scored tied 20-20 and 6:25 on the clock, a layup by Young for the Lions contributed to a 13-4 run for Lincoln (PA), leaving the Hawks trailing 33-24 heading into halftime. 

The Lions led by as many as 11 points as late as the 14:20 mark in the second half before the momentum shifted in favor of the Chowan Blue and White.  With Lincoln (PA) leading 45-35 with 13:37 left in the game, back-to-back three-pointers by Kortez Smith cut the deficit to four points (45-41).  The Hawks continued to battle down the final stretch of the contest before establishing the lead for good after Jeremy Smith's free throw with 1:20 left in the game.  Chowan took advantage of free throw opportunities late in the game to secure the 75-71 win. 

The Hawks conclude the regular season on the road on Saturday in a CIAA Northern Division contest against Virginia Union University.  Tip-off is slated for 4:00pm.