MURFREESBORO, N.C. – The Chowan University men's basketball team tipped off the season on their home court against #19 Lenoir-Rhyne University on day one of the Conference Challenge Tip-Off Classic. The Hawks delivered a competitive performance, with three players in double figures and two having career high nights.

Despite Chowan's strong effort, the Bears maintained control throughout the game and secured the 98–85 win. The Hawks move to 0–1 on the season and will look to bounce back and break into the win column on Saturday against Tusculum.

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 85, Lenoir-Rhyne 98

RECORDS | Chowan 0-1, Lenoir-Rhyne 1-2

LOCATION | Murfreesboro, N.C. (Hawks Athletic Center)

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

Eric Gordon Jr. led the Hawks with an efficient night, going 6–11 from the field and 5–8 from beyond the arc to finish with 19 points. Damerius Summers followed closely, posting 17 points on 7–15 shooting while adding three steals. Dominique Bailey also contributed 17 points, including a 5–8 effort at the free-throw line, and William Hynes was a standout at the stripe as well, knocking down 9–11 to total nine points. Both Gordon Jr. and Bailey recorded career highs in the matchup. 

Chowan went into halftime trailing by 11 after shooting 7–17 from three and 76.92% at the line. The Hawks kept that consistency at the stripe in the second half, closing the night at 75.9%. Chowan also generated 14 fast-break points and added 28 points in the paint. The Hawks found their groove as the game progressed, shooting 26% (10–38) in the first half before elevating their performance to 47% (16–34) in the second half.

UP NEXT

The Hawks now turn their attention to day two of the Conference Challenge Tip-Off Classic, where they will face Tusculum University on Saturday, November 15 at 4:00 PM in the Hawks Athletic Center.