Hawks Come Up Short Against CC of Philadelphia

The College of Southern Maryland women's basketball team lost to the Community College of Philadelphia Lions on November 19 by a score of 69-62.

The Hawks trailed by one point after the first quarter - thanks to a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from freshman Kirsten Hamilton as time expired - and by three at halftime.

They managed to grab their first lead of the game four minutes into the third quarter, but could only hold on to it for four minutes before the Lions retook the lead with two consecutive 3-pointers. Freshman Virginia Houston put back an offensive rebound to tie the game at 48 as the teams headed to the final quarter.

The Hawks could not capitalize on several turnovers by the Lions in the fourth quarter, and the Lions did. The Community College of Philadelphia outscored CSM 21-14 in the fourth quarter to take the win.

The Community College of Philadelphia shot 51.1 percent from the floor, making 24 of their 47 shots. CSM shot 37.1 percent, converting on only 26 of their 70 field goal attempts.

The Lions also outrebounded the Hawks 52-41. They grabbed 18 of their rebounds off the offensive glass, while the Hawks only had 10 offensive rebounds.

CSM head coach Ardell Jackson said his post-game message to his team was, "Box out, box out, box out. Rebound, rebound, rebound. Put a body on somebody, talk, communicate."

CSM committed 26 turnovers in the game, while the Lions only committed 11.

"These non-conference games are good games for them because you're breaking these kids in to college basketball," Jackson said. "I keep telling them, 'Every day you're going to face talent. It's college basketball. Whether it's a two-year school or a four-year school, when you step on that court, you're going to have another five kids that you have to compete against. Everybody can score, everybody can play defense.'"

Freshman Karalina Lawrence was the leading scorer for CSM with 23 points. She secured another double-double with 13 rebounds. She also had two steals and two blocks.

"I tell you, 23 [Lawrence], she puts in her work and gives us a lot of energy, and she's been keeping us in the game the last couple of games," Jackson said.

Hamilton finished the night eight points. She went 2-3 from behind the 3-point line, collected five rebounds, and made a steal. Houston added six points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Hawks.

"We'll pick up the pieces and keep on moving forward, I'm not worried about that," Jackson said. "These kids work extremely hard."

CSM's record is now 1-1. Their next game is Friday, November 22 at 5 p.m. at CSM against Thomas Nelson Community College.