HAWKS FALL TO BALTIMORE IN OVERTIME

Wednesday, February 4 -  In the most exciting game of the year, the CSM men's basketball team battled back from a 14 point deposit, only to fall in overtime 106-104. 

    CSM jumped out to an early lead in the first four minutes, leading 11-5, before Baltimore went on a 8-1 run to take the lead.  The game remained tight for most of the first half, with five lead changes and three ties, before the Red Devils pulled away to take a 48-39 lead at the half.

    Quam Griffin hit five 3 pointers and had 19 pts.for Baltimore,  and the Hawks couldn't stop James Taylor inside, who had 14 pts., nine of them on free throws.

    CSM (6-14, 3-9) battled back before a boisterous crowd of 200, finally tying the score on Bryan Payne's three point play with :26 left in regulation.  Baltimore's James Taylor missed a jump shot with :01 left that could have won it for the Red Devils.

    The Hawks took their first lead since the opening moments of the game when Doug Cornwell made two free throws to give CSM the lead 89-87 with 4:27 left in overtime.

    It looks like the Hawks had the game wrapped up when the fourth Baltimore player fouled out with 1:49 left, forcing the Red Devils to play four against five, and CSM holding a 96-94 lead.

    However, CSM started fouling, and Quan Griffin, Nevan Lewis, and James Taylor combined to make five free throws to give the Red Devils a 99-96 lead. 

    Christian Waugh hit a three pointer to tie the game at 99, but Nevan Lewis hit a three for Baltimore (13-9), and James Taylor hit two free throws to give the Devils a five point lead again at 104-99.

    The Hawks had one last chance, as Doug Cornwell drove to the basket, and Waugh hit another three after a Baltimore free throw  to cut the margin to 105-104.

    After the Red Devils hit one of two free throws, CSM had the ball and a chance to tie the game with :05 left, but Baltimore stole the inbounds pass and ran out the clock, escaping with a 106-104 win.

    Three of the remaining four Baltimore players had four fouls.

    CSM will host Rockville this Friday in a 4:30 contest, and then travel to Allegany on Saturday.