CSM prevails over Chesapeake in playoff win
Men's Basketball Advances Pass Chesapeake in the Quarterfinals of the Region 20 Division II Playoffs
La Plata, Maryland- The Hawks came out victorious in a tough opening playoff game against Chesapeake 81-72. CSM advances past the quarterfinals for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
CSM was familiar with their opponent Chesapeake having already played once in the regular season that saw the Hawks defeat the skipjacks 69-60 back in January. Game plans and teams' play change from the first time you meet them, so things weren't going to go the exact same way.
In the first half Chesapeake went ahead early, as guard Armani Martin was hurting the Hawks from beyond the three line which sparked the Skipjacks early 11-point lead with nine minutes remaining. CSM started off the game a little sloppy, as turnovers on fast breaks were hurting their fast break & scoring chances, and just overall shots not falling early. When the Hawks were able to get the offense going it was led by guard Ryan Blakely who had seventeen first half points hitting five threes in the first half. Chesapeake would increase the lead to double digits again going up 37-25 with four minutes remaining in the first half. CSM would go on to outscore the Skipjacks in those last minutes 11-4 to only trail 36-41 at the half. Chesapeake hit eight first half three pointers.
The second half, CSM came out aggressive looking to take the lead. Guard Reggie Washington scored the Hawks first seven points to help them take an early 45-41 lead. Over the next few minutes, both teams would trade buckets with either CSM holding the lead by a couple points or Chesapeake tying things back up. This game was physical, on both ends you could see both squads being aggressive by setting hard screens, taking it to the lanes through contact, closing out on shots hard, hustling for loose balls and just overall the postseason intensity was there. After an Amir Dade three at the six-and-a-half-minute mark the Hawks led 64-60. The Hawks on ball defense on the perimeter in the second half led to a lot of turnovers forced, as Chesapeake's guards were not able to drive and create good looking opportunities for their offense. Which resulted in CSM getting out in transition and playing the fast-paced style of basketball they like. Chesapeake would cut the lead to trail only by one 73-72 with a little over two minutes remaining. But Ryan Blakely would throw a lob to big man Nhine Willis to kill
the momentum for the Skipjacks, all but sealing the game for CSM leading 77-72 with a minute remaining in the game. Chesapeake was unable to score to close out the last minute.
Key Hawks Stats:
● Amir Dade- 21 points on 7-13 shooting from the field, 3-5 from three, with five assists, five rebounds, and five steals
● Ryan Blakely- 20 points, 7-12 shooting overall, six three pointers made, eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals: a near triple double!
● All Five CSM starters in double figures: Nhine, Amir, Ryan, Reggie, and Darius
● CSM outrebounded Chesapeake 34-29
● Darius Fletcher had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, (4) of the season
Big Time Impact:
The entire CSM team were all great in their victory over Chesapeake, each player made an impact in their respective role when called to the floor. The coaches were great in keeping the team playing their style of basketball and making the necessary adjustments to turn this game in their favor.
Center Nhine Willis had an enormous impact in that second half especially on the defensive end, altering shots at the rim, on the glass causing deflections for CSM to gain rebounds and lose balls, and just overall having a physical presence down low for the Hawks. Big time performance by CSM's big man.
Up Next: CSM travels to Cecil College taking on the Howard Community College Dragons in the Region 20 Division II Tournament Semifinals at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 8th.