BOX SCORE

(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) The night before Elizabeth City State's 68-56 win over Bowie State, Shawn Walker said the Vikings needed to contain BSU's All-Conference big men Duke Crews (Hampton, VA, Bethel, Univ. of Tennessee) and Travis Hyman (Annapolis, MD, Old Mill, Prince George's C.C.). Consider that mission accomplished.

ECSU (16-13) harassed the duo into 11 combined turnovers, limited the Bulldogs to 35.7 percent shooting, eliminating second seeded Bowie State from the CIAA Tournament.

Elizabeth City State missed nine of its first 10 shots and its first four free throws. According to Bowie State (16-10) head coach Darrell Brooks, Price's ability to penetrate disrupted the Bulldogs' defense.

“He (Brooks) did a great job today in handling our pressure and not turning the ball over,” said Brooks. “He was very decisive in what he was doing. Going into a game we always want to keep those guards in front of us. When he's making baskets, that makes their offense that much better.”

Crews, the CIAA's Player of the Year, finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. Hyman added six points and 10 rebounds while Eric Vann (Clinton, MD, Gwynn Park, Prince George's C.C.) and Andrew Engel (Glen Burnie, MD, Old Mill, Colby C.C.) had 10 points each for the Eastern Division Co-Champions.

Hyman fouled out after playing 26 minutes and was 2-of-9 from the field. Elizabeth City State constantly double and triple-teamed the 6-foot-11 center, limiting his offensive opportunities.

“It's frustrating because it's like you're trying to help your team out but you can't,” said Hyman. “They (ECSU) played a good game and they did what they were supposed to do.”

Added Crews: “If I was the opposing team, I think I'd do kind of the same thing. We've kind of faced it the whole year. You have to give them all the credit. They executed their game plan and they came out with the win.”

The Vikings' Blake Price had 15 points and four assists, both team-highs. Angelo Sharpless, the CIAA's Rookie of the Year, had a double-double with 14 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. Trent Bivens had 12 points and Paul Goldsmith contributed 11.

The loss was the final opportunity for Crews and fellow seniors Corey Stevens (Glenarden, MD, Good Counsel), Engel, Armond Hill (Silver Spring, MD, Springbrook, Montgomery - Rockville C.C.) and Corey Camphor (Upper Marlboro, MD, Bridgton) to wear a Bowie State uniform.

“The level of competition here is second to none,” said Crews. “I had a great experience here. I wish it wasn't over and didn't have to end this way. But, I'm grateful for my experience here.”