SPARTANBURG, S.C. -  The Chowan University men's basketball team used a strong first-half performance and composure down the stretch to secure an 81-73 conference victory over Converse University on Monday evening. The Hawks shot over 52 percent in the opening half, built an 18-point lead with 4 minutes on the clock,leading for more than 31 minutes of the contest to take control of the game early.

With the result, Chowan improves to 15-12 overall and 13-6 in conference play.

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 81,  Converse 73

RECORDS | Chowan (15-12, 13-6), Converse (9-15, 7-12)

LOCATION | Spartanburg, S.C. (Tom & Tracy Hannah Gym)

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

Markell Hollis found his groove early, pouring in 28 points, including 20 in the opening half. Hollis shot an efficient 10-14 from the field and 3-5 from three-point range while adding five assists, four rebounds, and a block.

Damerius Summers was dominant in the paint, recording a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, including nine defensive boards. Summers also connected on two three-pointers and contributed two assists, a block, and a steal.

Eric Gordon Jr. added 11 points, going a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line. He dished out six assists while pulling down three rebounds and adding a steal.

Israel Powell chipped in nine points, all from beyond the arc. Amari Gorham added six points from the free-throw line, while Joseph Lezeau II and William Hynes rounded out the scoring with five and four points, respectively.

As a team, the Hawks shot 48.3 percent (28-58) from the field and 40 percent (10-25) from three-point range. Chowan was efficient at the line, converting 83.3 percent (15-18). The Hawks outrebounded the Valkyries 37-27 and held advantages in assists (17-11), bench points (37), points in the paint (32), and points off turnovers (16).

UP NEXT

Chowan will close out the regular season on the road Wednesday, February 25, traveling to face the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.