SALISBURY, N.C. – The Chowan University men's basketball team battled South Atlantic Conference opponent Catawba College in a close matchup that came down to a three-point decision in the last minutes. Chowan jumped out to an early advantage and outscored the Catawba Indians in the first half, but Catawba responded down the stretch, pulling away in the final minutes of the second half to secure the victory.
Damerius Summers led the way for the Hawks, matching his career and season high in scoring.
THE BASICS
FINAL | Chowan 68, Catawba 71
RECORDS | Chowan (4-5,3-0) , Catawba (5-2,1-1)
LOCATION |Salisbury, N.C. (Goodman Arena)
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Damerius Summers helped Chowan to an early lead, scoring the first nine points for the Hawks in under three minutes of action. Israel Powell and William Hynes followed with three-pointers, and Summers struck again to extend the advantage to 17-4 just five minutes into the contest. The first half featured another three from Powell and several strong finishes inside by Summers, who totaled 15 points before the break. Eric Gordon Jr. later connected from beyond the arc, while Amari Gorham provided productive minutes, getting to the free-throw line and converting both attempts. Hynes would go on to add points from the charity stripe as well. The half closed with a clutch three-pointer from freshman Markell Hollis, giving Chowan a 39–33 lead heading into the break.
Catawba opened the scoring in the second half, but Hynes quickly answered with a layup and then knocked down two free throws on the following possession for four consecutive points. Hynes, Powell, Gordon, Summers, and Hollis continued to trade baskets throughout the half to keep pressure on the Catawba Indians. Summers led all scorers with 25 points on 10-17 shooting and a perfect 4-4 performance from the free-throw line, adding seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal. Hynes contributed 14 points on 5-6 shooting from the line, along with six rebounds, three steals, three assists, and a block. Powell finished with 12 points and went a perfect 2-2 from the free-throw line.
As a team, Chowan shot 44.4% (24-54) from the field and 66.7% (6-9) from three-point range in the first half. The Hawks improved their free-throw shooting from 83.3% (5-6) in the first half to 88.9% (8-9) in the second half, finishing the game with a season-high 86.7%. Chowan tallied 26 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers, 12 fast-break points, and 10 second-chance points.
UP NEXT
Chowan returns to its home court on Saturday, December 13, at 4:00 PM to host Emmanuel University. Fans are encouraged to celebrate the holidays by wearing their favorite Christmas sweaters, with complimentary hot chocolate available while supplies last.
