ROME, GA. — The Chowan University men's basketball team played a competitive game against Shorter University on Saturday evening but came up just short in the final minute. The Hawks led at halftime and maintained momentum in the second half before Shorter scored the game-winning basket in the final moments. Chowan's Damerius Summers, Eric Gordon Jr., and William Hynes all reached double figures, with Gordon recording a career-high in the contest. 

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 84,  Shorter 85

RECORDS | Chowan (6-8,4-2) , Shorter (4-7,2-3)

LOCATION |Rome, Ga. ( Winthrop-King Centre)

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

Shorter opened the first half with a 7-0 run before Chowan responded with a three-pointer to break the streak. The Hawks tied the game at 11-11 at the 16:34 mark and went on a small run of their own to take their first lead of the game. Chowan found success on the offensive end, building a 14-point advantage with just under seven minutes remaining before the half. Shorter responded with a scoring run to cut the lead to six, but Chowan answered to extend the lead to 10 at halftime, taking a 44-34 advantage into the break.

The Hawks scored first to open the second half, with Shorter trading baskets in response. Chowan maintained pressure early in the half, leading by 14 points once more. Shorter chipped away at the lead as two players contributed to the offensive charge with 31 points each. In the closing minutes, Chowan led 84-80 before Shorter hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to one. On their final possession, Shorter converted a layup to take an 85-84 lead. With the last possession Chowan made an attempt to score in the final seconds but were unable to connect, resulting in a narrow 84-85 defeat.

Damerius Summers led the Hawks with 23 points, shooting 50% (9-18) from the field and 80% (4-5) from the free-throw line, while also adding eight rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Eric Gordon Jr. followed with career-high 20 points on 50% shooting (8-16), including 50% (4-8) from three-point range, along with three assists and a steal. Gordon Jr. had a strong first half, scoring 12 of his 20 points before the break. William Hynes finished with 11 points, shooting 57.1% (4-7) from the field, 50% (2-4) from three-point range, and 100% (1-1) from the line, while contributing three assists. Joseph Lezeau II added eight points, going a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line and grabbing seven rebounds, and Markell Hollis contributed seven points, shooting 50% (2-4) from the field and 3-3 from the line. Martinie Kamga was perfect from the field (3-3), recording five rebounds and a block in six minutes.

Chowan shot 42.7% from the field and a season-high 92.4% (12-13) from the free-throw line. The Hawks collected 43 rebounds, scored 44 points in the paint, tallied 28 second-chance points, and converted nine points off turnovers.

UP NEXT

The Hawks return home on Wednesday, January 7, to take on the University of Mount Olive in a conference matchup. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM in  the Hawks Athletic Center.