Preview: Delaware State Hornets at Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks

NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — The Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks will look to complete a regular-season sweep and solidify their standing when they host the Delaware State Hornets in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women’s basketball game Wednesday at the Constant Convocation Center.

The Hawks (18-13) enter the contest having won four of their last five, including a 56-48 victory over these same Hornets just six days ago on March 5. Ashanti Lynch led the way in that win with 12 points and a block. The junior has been a consistent offensive threat, averaging 12.7 points over her last six games, including a 21-point performance in a win over North Carolina Central on Feb. 26.

Delaware State (7-22) seeks to snap a two-game skid and find revenge after the recent loss to UMES. The Hornets’ fortunes often hinge on the play of guard Jermesha Frierson. She dished out five assists in the last meeting and is coming off a stretch where she averaged 10.3 points and 4.2 assists over her last six contests, highlighted by a 20-point effort in a win at Morgan State on Feb. 21.

The matchup is a contrast in season trajectories. Maryland-Eastern Shore has enjoyed a winning campaign, boasting a 9-4 record at home. Delaware State has struggled on the road, posting a 2-13 mark away from Dover.

This will be the third meeting this season between the conference foes. The Hawks also won the prior matchup in Delaware, 58-47, on Jan. 31. A win would give UMES its first three-game season sweep of the Hornets since the 2021-22 campaign.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday night. The Hawks will aim to use their defensive pressure, which held Delaware State to 48 points last week, to control the tempo. The Hornets will need an efficient offensive performance, likely sparked by Frierson’s playmaking, to overcome their recent struggles and upset their conference rival on a neutral floor.