ROME, GA. — The Chowan University women's basketball team earned its first victory of 2026 with a win over Shorter on Saturday afternoon. The Hawks set the tone early, controlling the pace in the opening quarter and maintaining their momentum throughout the contest to secure the victory. With the win, Chowan improves to 4-6 overall and 2-4 in conference play.

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 57, Shorter 48 

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

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

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

Chowan opened the scoring with an and-one opportunity at the free-throw line, converting the three-point play to jump out to a 4–0 lead over Shorter. The Hawks kept the momentum rolling, building a nine-point advantage at 16–7 with under three minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Shorter responded with a late push to close the gap, but Chowan maintained the lead at the end of the first quarter, 18–15.

The Hawks dominated the glass in the opening frame, pulling down 13 rebounds—10 on the offensive end—which led to 11 second-chance points. In the second quarter, Shorter briefly tied the game at the free-throw line before Chowan regained control with an 8–0 scoring run to take a 28–20 lead with two minutes remaining in the half. Shorter closed the quarter with back-to-back baskets, trimming the deficit to 28–24 at the break.

Chowan came out of halftime firing, opening the third quarter with a 7–0 run and holding Shorter scoreless for the first five minutes of play before a corner three broke the drought. The Hawks continued to apply pressure, outscoring Shorter 15–7 in the third quarter and pushing their lead up by 14 points. Chowan entered the fourth quarter ahead 43–31 after shooting 6-11 from the field and 3--4 from the free-throw line in the period.

The Hawks scored the first four points of the fourth quarter, but Shorter attempted to claw back with an 8–0 run of their own. Chowan answered with a timely three-point play to halt the momentum and maintain a 47–39 lead with just over six minutes remaining. Shorter pulled within six points late, but Chowan's continued offensive pressure sealed the victory, securing a 57–48 win.

Nyeisha Savage led the Hawks with her fourth double-double of the season, posting a season-high 16 points while shooting 70 percent (7-10) from the field. She added 10 rebounds—four offensive and six defensive—along with a block and two steals. Alexandria James-Fearon was Chowan's second-leading scorer, tying her season high with 10 points, including eight in the second half, while shooting a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line.

Desiree Askew finished with eight points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Yasmine Brown added seven points, five assists, four rebounds, and a steal. Wisdom Banks chipped in seven points, three rebounds, and a block, and Ayanna Rutledge recorded a season-high five assists to go along with three rebounds and a steal.

Chowan shot 44.9 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free-throw line while outrebounding Shorter with 35 total boards. The Hawks scored 36 points in the paint, added 14 second-chance points, and converted eight points off turnovers.

UP NEXT

Chowan returns home to continue conference play on Wednesday, January 7, when the Hawks host the University of Mount Olive. Tipoff is set for 5:00 PM in the Hawks Athletic Center.