MURFREESBORO, N.C. — The Chowan University men's basketball team picked up a strong home victory over the University of Mount Olive on Wednesday night. After trailing at the half, the Hawks surged in the second half, outscoring the Trojans behind a career-high performance from William Hynes to pull away for a 90–77 win.

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 90,  Mount Olive 77

RECORDS | Chowan (7-8,5-2) , Mount Olive (5-9,2-4)

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

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

The Trojans jumped out to a quick start, scoring the first six points of the game before Chowan answered with a basket to get on the board. Mount Olive followed with a 7–0 run, but the Hawks found their rhythm behind back-to-back three-pointers from William Hynes. Hynes continued to spark the offense by knocking down a pair of free throws on consecutive trips, accounting for Chowan's next four points. The two teams traded baskets through the remainder of the half, with the Hawks heading into the locker room trailing by just three, 38–35.

After the break, Chowan wasted little time taking control, grabbing the lead within the first three minutes. The Hawks' offense came alive in the second half, building a lead that grew to as many as 17 points with just over two minutes remaining. Chowan closed out the game strong to secure a 90–77 victory.

Hynes delivered a career-high performance, shooting 50 percent from the floor (5-10) and from beyond the arc (3-6) while going 7-8 at the free-throw line to lead all scorers with 20 points, along with five rebounds and two assists. Joseph Lezeau II made an immediate impact upon entering the game, scoring Chowan's first points and finishing with 18 points on 4-7 shooting and an impressive 10-11 at the line, adding six rebounds and two steals. Israel Powell came alive in the second half, scoring all 13 of his points after the break while going a perfect 6-6 from the free-throw line and adding two steals and an assist. Damerius Summers was also perfect from long range (2-2), pulling down eight rebounds while adding two assists and two blocks to finish with 11 points. Markell Hollis rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points on 5-10 shooting, along with five rebounds, two assists, and a block.

As a team, the Hawks shot 42.6 percent from the field, 31.6 percent from three-point range, and 82.1 percent from the free-throw line. Chowan also made its mark defensively and in transition, scoring 17 points off Trojan turnovers, 32 points in the paint, 15 fast-break points, and 34 points off the bench.

UP NEXT
The Hawks return to action on Saturday, January 10, when they host North Greenville University in the Hawks Athletic Center. Tipoff is set for 4:00 PM.