BALTIMORE (Interstat) — Dayshawna Carter scored 22 points to lead Maryland-Eastern Shore to a 66-64 victory over Coppin State in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women’s basketball game Saturday. The Hawks built a 40-28 halftime lead at the Coppin State Physical Education Complex. The Eagles mounted a fourth-quarter rally, outscoring Maryland-Eastern Shore 20-12 in the period, but fell short. Sydney Burris posted a double-double for Coppin State with 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Hawks improved to 15-13 overall, while the Eagles fell to 9-19. Attendance was 837.

BALTIMORE (Interstat) — In a game defined by a staggering second-quarter collapse and a frantic final-minute comeback that fell just short, the Maryland-Eastern Shore women’s basketball team escaped the Coppin State Physical Education Complex with a 66-64 victory on Saturday. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contest, played before an announced crowd of 837, saw the host Coppin State Eagles squander a 15-point first-quarter lead before mounting a desperate fourth-quarter rally that ultimately failed in the closing seconds. The game’s decisive stretch came in the second period, where Coppin State’s offense completely evaporated. After building a 22-17 lead through one quarter behind hot three-point shooting, the Eagles managed only six points in the entire second quarter. They shot 3 of 13 from the field and committed eight turnovers in the frame, allowing Maryland-Eastern Shore to seize control. The Hawks, capitalizing on Coppin State’s mistakes, erupted for 23 points in the quarter. A 15-0 run, fueled by relentless defensive pressure, turned the five-point deficit into a double-digit lead. Dayshawna Carter, who led all scorers with 22 points, was instrumental during the surge, attacking the basket and drawing fouls. By halftime, the Hawks had built a 40-28 advantage, outscoring the Eagles 23-6 in the quarter. Maryland-Eastern Shore maintained its lead throughout a sluggish third quarter, entering the final period ahead 54-44. The Hawks appeared poised to close out the game, leading 62-53 with just over three minutes to play after a Dakieran Turner layup. Coppin State, however, summoned a final burst. Paris McBride, who finished with 14 points, hit a pair of crucial three-pointers in a 90-second span. Her second triple, with 2:21 remaining, cut the deficit to 59-56. After a Maryland-Eastern Shore turnover, Khila Morris was fouled on a layup and completed the three-point play, tying the game at 59-59 with 1:55 left. The Hawks briefly regained the lead on an Ashanti Lynch layup, but Coppin State answered. McBride drove for a layup to tie it at 61-61, and after a missed three-pointer by the Hawks, Sydney Burris tipped in a missed McBride layup with 19 seconds left, giving Coppin State a stunning 64-62 lead—its first since the second quarter. Maryland-Eastern Shore called a timeout and advanced the ball. On the ensuing inbounds play, Lynch found a seam and scored a driving layup to tie the game at 64-64 with 11 seconds remaining. Coppin State inbounded and called its final timeout with 8.7 seconds left. The Eagles designed a play for Morris, but her three-point attempt from the wing missed long. Burris secured the offensive rebound but her rushed put-back attempt was blocked by Turner. In the scramble for the loose ball, Coppin State was whistled for a foul with 0.4 seconds on the clock. Carter was sent to the line for the Hawks. She calmly sank both free throws to provide the final margin. Coppin State’s desperation full-court heave was unsuccessful as time expired. Beyond Carter’s scoring output, Maryland-Eastern Shore was bolstered by a double-double from Kaliya Perry, who had eight points and 10 rebounds, and 10 points from Turner. The Hawks won despite making only one three-pointer, relying on interior scoring (28 points in the paint) and converting 15 of 19 free throws. Their defense forced 23 Coppin State turnovers, which they converted into 26 points. Coppin State was led by Burris, who posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Erin Henry added 13 points and Shanaii Gamble contributed 10 points and six rebounds. The Eagles shot well from deep, making 6 of 13 three-pointers, but were undone by poor free-throw shooting (10 of 21) and their turnover woes. With the win, Maryland-Eastern Shore improved to 15-13 overall. Coppin State fell to 9-19. The Hawks swept the season series, having also defeated the Eagles in overtime on Jan. 15. Maryland-Eastern Shore next hosts North Carolina Central on Thursday. Coppin State travels to face Howard on the same night.

Preview: Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks at Coppin State Eagles BALTIMORE (Interstat) — A Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women’s basketball rematch is set for Saturday when the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks visit the Coppin State Eagles at the Coppin State Physical Education Complex. The Hawks (14-13) will look to complete a regular-season sweep after edging the Eagles 68-61 in overtime on Jan. 15 in Princess Anne. Coppin State (9-18) seeks to defend its home court and continue its recent improved play, having won four of its last five games. Maryland-Eastern Shore enters on a two-game skid, including a 66-45 loss at Howard on Feb. 14. Guard Lainey Allen, a player to watch for the Hawks, led the team with 12 points in that contest. Over her last five games, Allen is averaging 8.2 points. The Eagles, however, are riding momentum from a 75-68 road victory at North Carolina Central on Feb. 14. Forward Sydney Burris dominated that game, posting 23 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. Burris has been a force during Coppin State’s winning stretch, averaging 10.8 points and 8.6 rebounds over her last five appearances. Despite their overall record, the Eagles have found a rhythm in conference play at home, winning three straight MEAC games in Baltimore by an average margin of 31 points. The Hawks have struggled on the road in conference action, with a 2-5 record away from home against MEAC opponents. Coppin State’s recent surge has been fueled by defense, holding three of its last five opponents under 60 points. Maryland-Eastern Shore will need to improve its offensive efficiency after shooting just 28.8% from the field in the loss to Howard. The matchup could hinge on the interior battle and which team controls the tempo. Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Baltimore.