FLORENCE, S.C. – The Chowan University men's basketball team closed out day two of the Francis Marion Thanksgiving Classic with a narrow loss to Columbus State University in a non-conference matchup. The Hawks and Cougars traded leads throughout the afternoon, battling through 16 lead changes and eight ties before Columbus State scored in the final minute to secure the game.

With Saturday's result, the Hawks move to 3-4 overall while remaining undefeated in Conference Carolinas.

 THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 68, Columbus State 71

RECORDS | Chowan (3-4,2-0) , Columbus State (4-2,0-0)

LOCATION | Florence, S.C. (Smith University Center)

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

Israel Powell and Damerius Summers each paced the Hawks with 15 points. Powell shot 5-11 from the field and 3-6 from beyond the arc while adding three assists, three rebounds, and a steal. Summers matched his scoring with a 7-15 performance, knocking down his lone three-pointer and contributing six rebounds and two steals.

Eric Gordon Jr. finished the afternoon with 11 points, eight assists, and four rebounds, connecting on three triples and going a perfect 2-2 at the line. Damien Robinson added six points on an efficient 2-2 shooting day while leading Chowan on the glass with nine rebounds, plus two assists and a block. William Hynes and Dapo Kruyswijk each chipped in six points and four rebounds 

As a team, the Hawks shot 38.7% (24-62) from the floor, 33.3% (9-27) from beyond the arc, and 73.3% (11-15) at the stripe. Chowan tallied 22 points in the paint, added 12 points off turnovers, and received 15 points from the bench, while also pushing the pace effectively with 18 fast-break points.

UP NEXT 

Chowan returns home to resume conference play, hosting Barton College on Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00 PM in the Hawks Athletic Center.