The 23rd ranked University of Mary Washington men's basketball team overcame Averett University, 65-46, on Wednesday evening in Fredericksburg, Va. The Eagles improve to 7-1 on the season, in their first home game over winter break.
The Eagles jumped out to an early 15-1 lead through 7 minutes of play, with three-pointers from Da'Shawn Cook, Greg Rowson, Erik Prosise, and Andrew Rowson. Senior Cameron McCravy hit two 3-pointers and one bucket from inside the three-point line to hel;p the Eagles to a commanding 25-8 lead with 7:32 left in the first. As the first half winded down, the Cougars found their rhythm and bounced back to hold their deficit to 17 at the end of the half, 38-21. Senior forward Greg Rowson played well in the first, connecting on three more buckets inside the arc along with one free-throw.
In the second, the Eagles took a slower approach to the ballgame, focusing on points inside the arc and took seven more chances at the free-throw line. Greg Rowson dominated throughout the 2nd half, with 4 buckets and hitting 3-5 free-throws. Senior post Emmanuel Aghayere contributed well inside the paint, with 6 points along with hitting 2-3 free-throw attempts. The Eagles continued to play well and push their lead ahead even more. Senior Da'Shawn Cook was fouled beyond the arc at 1:24 and hit all 3 of his attempts to end his solid night. As the game was coming with a minute left, UMW gradually subbed in their players that do not get much playing time, which included Gabe Wilson, Peter Goldberg, Devin Johnson, Ty Lacey, and Chaz Moody. Lacey hit a jumper with 50 seconds left and the defense closed out the game.
Greg Rowson led the Eagles with 22 points on 8-13 shooting and 5-9 from the line, adding two assists, five rebounds, and one block.Cook added 11 points with one assist and 6 rebounds while Aghayere pushed for 9 points and a pair of both rebounds and asissts, all on the offensive end. Cameron McCravy put up eight points with some key shots and three rebounds to help the balanced Eagle attack to victory.
Mary Washington shot 23-46 from the field (50%), making 7-25 three point tries and 12-21 free throws. Marymount shot 16-47 (34%), making 8-16 three pointers and 6-14 free throws. Averett led UMW in rebounds at 32-30, but were held back by their fouls committed in the game, 21-12, with 2 players fouling out in the 2nd half.
The Eagles will return to action on Saturday December 17 when they host Randolph College at 3:00 p.m.