HAWKS SINK LAKERS 84-67

By Rick Coffin

February 24, 2001 - The College of Southern Maryland Hawks withstood a furious last minute charge from the Garrett Lakers to hold on for a 84-67 win in a quarter-final game of the Maryland JUCO Tournament held at Garrett.  The Hawks played the final 5:00 of the game without Natasha Denny and Delayne Buckley, both who had fouled out. 

The Hawks jumped to a quick 8-2 lead, with Nekm Ifeika scoring 6 of the Hawks first 8 points.  Tasha Denny scored 10 of her 17 points in the first half as the Hawks extended their lead to 47-35 at halftime.

CSM continued to increase the lead in the 2nd half.  Delayne Buckley scored 8 of her 15 points and Monica Smith came off the bench to score 8 second half points (15 total), before the Lakers made their late charge.  

The Hawks dominated the boards, out rebounding Garrett 61-44.  Nekm Ifeika led the Hawks with 23 points and 6 offensive rebounds (12 total).

"We played together as a team and played aggressively," commented Ifeika after the game. "My teammates helped me out by getting me the ball."

Kristin Tucker added 11 points, including two key 3 pointers.  Tasha Denny had 8 assists and Nakia Roper pulled down 12 rebounds, many down the stretch, to pace the Hawks.

The Hawks will face Catonsville in the Semi-Finals.  Catonsville rallied to defeat Takoma Park 92-88 in overtime.