MOUNT OLIVE, N.C.-- The Chowan University men's basketball team earned a key conference division road victory Wednesday night, defeating the University of Mount Olive 79-66. The Hawks used a dominant first half to build a lead and never trailed as they improved to 12-9 overall and 10-3 in league play.

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 79,  Mount Olive 66

RECORDS | Chowan (12-9, 10-3) , Mount Olive (8-13, 5-8)

LOCATION | Mount Olive, N.C. (Kornegay Arena)

Chowan opened the contest on a 9-0 run and held Mount Olive scoreless for the first three minutes. The Hawks pushed their advantage to as many as 24 points in the first half. Chowan carried a 42-22 lead into the break after shooting over 46 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes.

Mount Olive battled back in the second half, trimming the deficit to single digits late, but the Hawks answered every rally with timely baskets. Chowan converted 17 free throws in the final period to secure the 79-66 win.

Damerius Summers led all scorers with 20 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to record a double-double while also having one steal and one assist. Israel Powell added 17 points with eight made free throws, four rebounds, two steals, and two assists to help control the tempo. Eric Gordon Jr. finished with 12 points on an efficient 3-5 performance from beyond the arc, adding  four rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Markell Hollis and Joseph Lezeau II each chipped in eight points, while William Hynes had seven. The Hawks dominated the glass with a 52-47 rebounding advantage, including 16 offensive boards that led to 19 second-chance points, and outscored the Trojans 42-32 in the paint. Chowan forced 12 turnovers and converted them into 17 points while also producing 16 fast-break points, holding Mount Olive to just 34 percent shooting for the game after limiting the Trojans to 22 points in the first half.

UP NEXT

The Hawks travel to Central, South Carolina to face Southern Wesleyan on Saturday, February 7. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.