HAWKS WIN THRILLER

Monday, January 28 - In a thrilling game that wasn't decided until the final minute, CSM defeated Maryland Bible College 72-65.  

    The Hawks (11-9, 4-7) jumped out to a big lead early in the game, and led 39-20 with 5:00 left in the first half.  CSM's pressure defense caused 17 Eagle turnovers, and limited Maryland Bible to 9-29 shooting for the half.  

     "We had no energy or focus early in the game"  commented Maryland Bible Head Coach Steve Stevens.  "#15 (Steve Rapp) really hurt us with his shooting".  

    Maryland Bible (11-9, 7-0) had just come off an emotional win on Saturday over undefeated conference rival Philadelphia Bible College.  

    The Hawks had very balanced scoring in the first half, with Steve Rapp leading the Hawks with  9 points (3 three pointers), Wayne Gibson had 8 points, Chris Rhone 7 points, and J'Vaughn Hawkins 6 (all on three pointers).  

    "We woke up with about 5 minutes left in the first half and were able to make the game close"  said Coach Stevens.

    The Eagles went on a mini-run to end the half and pulled to 42-31 at the break.  Maryland Bible continued to chip away at the Hawk lead, and pulled within two at 61-59 on Nathan Gorham's 3 pointer with under 5:00 left in the game.  

    "I have to give them credit" said CSM Head Coach Todd Fong.  "They kept their composure and made a game of it."

    The Eagles had a chance to tie after rebounding a missed shot, but turned the ball over to the Hawks.

    Steve Rapp hit a 3 pointer to give CSM a 64-59 lead.  Rapp hit another shot to increase the Hawk lead to 66-59 with 3:00 left in the game.  

    Maryland Bible wouldn't go away, and Tirrell Coates hit a lay-up and converted a foul shot to cut the lead to 66-62.  

    The Hawks took control of the final minute and half.  Chris Rhone drove to the basket and made a spectacular shot as he twisted between two Eagle defenders and laid the ball in to give CSM a 68-62 lead.

   The Eagles pulled to within 3 again after Gorham hit another three.  He finished with 18 points to lead Maryland Bible, all on 3 pointers.

   With :49 seconds left Chris Rhone iced the game when he beat his defender to the basket and hit a lay-up on an  inbounds play from the side line after a time-out. Rhone later added two free throws for the final 72-65 margin. 

   Steve Rapp led CSM in scoring with 19 pts., Wayne Gibson added 14, and Chris Rhone chipped in with 13. 

   Coach Fong thought the play of the Hawk guards was a key to the victory.  "Doug Cornwell and Benny Batoon  made good decisions and played very well tonight."

   CSM returns to play Wednesday night, when they host Anne Arundel in the Hawks Nest.  Tip-off is at 8:00 PM.