ROME, Ga. — 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Shorter 69, Erskine 53


SUMMARY:

In a critical Conference Carolinas showdown, the Shorter University Hawks emerged victorious against the Erskine Flying Fleet on January 22, 2025, at the Winthrop-King Centre in Rome, GA. The Hawks clinched a convincing win with a final score of 69-53, enhancing their impressive season record to 12-3 and conference tally to 7-2.

In the first quarter, the Hawks came out dominating the paint. The Hawks scored 12 points in the paint, led by Tiara Lewis. She controlled the paint going 4/6 from the field (9points) in the paint. The Hawks also scored on every offensive rebound they corralled, and opportunities were limited as the shot a commendable 58.3% from the field. The Hawks led after the first quarter 15-14.

The second quarter, continued to go in the Hawk's favor. The bench entered the game and contributed 9 points. The Hawks beat the Flying Fleet down the floor and won the fast break scoring competition. The Hawks also saw great success at the free-throw line going 7-10. The Hawks led at half 34-25.

The third quarter started similarly to the first quarter. The Hawks continued to pound the paint. The Hawks scored 12 points in the paint during the quarter. They continued to grab offensive rebounds (3) and scored second chance points (8); The Hawks led 51-39 at the end of the quarter.

The Hawks' defense continued to stifle the Erskine offense. The Hawks outscored the Flying Fleet in the 4th quarter by 4 points. Tiara Lewis capped off her spectacular night by adding an additional 4 points and 4 rebounds in limited time. The overall scoring continued, trending in the right direction as the Hawks shot 50% from the 3-point line and 75% from the free-throw line during the quarter.


NOTEWORTHY:

· Tiara Lewis recorded her fifth double-double of the season

· Tori Smiley chipped in 12 points and 3 rebounds

· Tionna baker pulled down a season high of 10 rebounds (7 offensive and 3 defensive)

· Shorter outscored Erskine 38 to 24 in the paint

· The Hawks won the battle on the boards (40 – 25)


WORDS FROM THE HAWKS:

"Last night was a good team win for us. We controlled the boards. We made a lot of hustle plays. Tiara Lewis was able to find her grove picking up [her] 5th double-double of the year. Tionna Baker had a season high in rebounds with 10. Our team is continuing to grow at the right time and I am proud [of] their buy in tonight against Erskine"– Head Coach LaSheena Brooks


ON THE HORIZON:

Looking ahead, the Hawks are set to face Mount Olive on January 25, 2025, at WKC. This is also Alumni and Staff Appreciation Day, so join us for a fun and exciting day with tipoff starting at 2PM eastern.