Hampton Downs UMES as Trotter Hits Milestone

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Fighting Hawks (0-10, 0-1 MEAC) took a two-point lead into the locker room but were not able to withstand a late fight by Hampton University (5-3, 1-0 MEAC) to fall in MEAC opening action 55-45. While the Hawks are still looking for win number one, another story captured today’s spotlight with Tee Trotter recording 13 points to lead all scorers. That was one point more than he needed to record 1,000 career points for his collegiate career.

Trotter made the record-breaking basket at the 8:46 mark of the second half with his patented three-point jumper. “I didn’t even know until after the game,” Trotter said. “My teammates told me, I am glad I did it, it is an honor to have done that. However, the real focus has to turn to winning. We lost [focus] in the second-half. We have to maintain that. We had Hampton down and did not put them away.” No doubt Tee is the coach’s son. “I am so proud of Tee, said Trotter. He deserves that. The Lord blessed him with so much talent. That isn’t just basketball talent either. He is a good student and a good person. Tonight I am a proud coach and a proud father.”

The Hawks led by as many as ten in the fist half but could not keep that lead on the strong play of Mackel Purvis. He finished with 12 points in the game. The second-half saw Hampton lead by ten at the final buzzer. The charge was led by Devin Green who scored all of his team high 12 points in the second half. He also had team high seven boards. Aaron Wellington was the Hawk’s second leading scorer with nine points while Ali Trotman again led them on the boards with ten.

“We came out flat in the second-half,” Coach Trotter said. “We did such a good job in the first half but lacked focus and shot 21 % in the second. That will kill a team, it killed us tonight.” Nonetheless Hampton was impressed. “We were shocked,” said Head Coach Bobby Collins. “We were saved because our guys stepped up, but UMES will be alright, they are far better than their record, they will give the MEAC a run for their money,” he added.

The Hawks are still looking for win number one when they host Norfolk State University Monday at 4:00 PM in the Hytche Center. They follow the women who play at 2:00 PM.