CENTRAL, S.C. – The Chowan University men's basketball team battled to the final seconds before falling in overtime to Southern Wesleyan, 117-108, on Saturday evening. The Hawks and Warriors traded baskets throughout the first half before Southern Wesleyan built a 19-point advantage heading into the break. Chowan came out steam rolling in the second half, steadily chipping away at the deficit until a clutch layup by Markell Hollis with 11 seconds remaining gave him an opportunity at the line for a three-point play, tying the contest at 101-101 and forcing overtime. The Warriors pulled away in the final minutes of overtime to take the victory. With the result, the Hawks move to 12-10 overall and 10-4 in Conference Carolinas play.
THE BASICS
FINAL | Chowan 108, Southern Wesleyan 117
RECORDS | Chowan (12-10, 10-4) , Southern Wesleyan (9-12, 6-8)
LOCATION | Central, S.C. (Historic Tysinger Gymnasium)
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Markell Hollis paced the Hawks with a career-high 30 points, connecting on 13 field goals while finishing a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line. The freshman added three rebounds and three assists. Damerius Summers followed with 21 points and seven rebounds, while William Hynes delivered a strong all-around effort with 17 points on 5-8 shooting, including a perfect 2--2 from beyond the arc and 5-5 at the line. Hynes also contributed seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Eric Gordon Jr. finished with 16 points behind four three-pointers and added two rebounds and an assist. Damien Robinson was efficient inside, scoring nine points on a perfect 4-4 shooting with four rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
As a team, Chowan shot 50 percent from the field and improved to 54.8 percent in the second half while finishing 73.1 percent from the free throw line. The Hawks dominated the interior with 66 points in the paint and the Hawks bench put together 40 points. Chowan also capitalized on second opportunities with 24 second-chance points and turned Warrior turnovers into 18 points.
UP NEXT
The Hawks will travel to Florence, S.C., to face Francis Marion University on Tuesday, February 10. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.