Saturday, November 21st, 6:30 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: JQH Arena (11,000) -- Springfield, Missouri. Television: None. Home Record: UMES 0-1, EMU 0-0. Away Record: UMES 0-2, EMU 1-0. Neutral Record: UMES 0-0, EMU 0-1. Conference Record: UMES 0-0, EMU 0-0. Series Record: Maryland-Eastern Shore leads, 1-0.

GAME NOTES: The Maryland-Eastern Shore Fighting Hawks and the Eastern Michigan Eagles do battle in the second stage of the Hispanic College Fund Classic this evening at JQH Arena.

The Hawks opened this three-day, four-team event last night, dropping a 70-53 decision to the host, Missouri State. It was the third loss in as many games by UMES, which opened the season with setbacks to Stony Brook and Marquette. The team will conclude its stay in this tourney against The Citadel on Sunday.

As for the Eagles, they too were in action last night, falling 63-56 to The Citadel. EMU had played just one prior game to this event, an 81-77 triumph of Oakland University. The squad will wrap things up in this event by taking on Missouri State tomorrow night.

The Eagles and Hawks have met just one time previously on the hardwood, with UMES notching a 65-61 victory back in 2001.

The Hawks shot a lackluster 38.3 percent from the floor and went an equally as poor 12-of-21 at the foul line, as they were downed by Missouri State last night. The team was also dominated on the boards, 42-29, and it committed 14 turnovers as well. Kevin White had 11 points and six assists in the setback, and Hillary Haley also finished with 11 points. Hillary has been the team's most effective player thus far, averaging 15.3 ppg over the first three outings.

The Eagles committed 17 turnovers and were outscored at the foul line, 16-9, as they were defeated by The Citadel last night. EMU didn't help its cause with poor three-point shooting either, converting on just 5-of-22 attempts. Brandon Bowdry led the team in the loss with 14 points and nine rebounds. He was even more effective in the team's opening win, when he recorded a double- double of 26 points and 13 boards. Justin Dobbins added 12 points last night, while Carlos Medlock turned in an all-around effort of 10 points, six boards and five assists.

EMU has more weapons at its disposal and should be able to bounce back with a win over UMES this evening.

Predicted Outcome

Eastern Michigan 69, MD-Eastern Shore 60