Feb. 25, 2010

Final Stats

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Elizabeth City State Vikings defeated Fayetteville State University 70-59 in the first round of the 2010 CIAA Men's Basketball tournament.

"It was a hard fought game just like we thought it would," he said. "We were very fortunate to win. We're very excited just to have another night to play. I think it's important for a young team playing in a major arena - a major platform like this."

ECSU (15-13) started the game on a 20-5 run, was on top 33-27 at halftime and led by as much as 16 in the first half.

"We dug a hole that was too deep for us to come out of," FSU head coach Alphonza Kee said. "We came out of the gate a little tentative and a little unsure. " Despite the large deficit, the Broncos (8-19) fought back with the help of an unusual offensive source.

FSU freshman guard Seth Hawkins hit four 3-pointers on his way to a career-high 14 points and helped the Broncos take a lead, albeit brief, midway through the second half.

"We failed to get back on defense and gave them easy buckets," said Walker. "They have two shooters that we knew about and then tonight (Seth) Hawkins decided he was going to make some shots. Fayetteville was clearly in a groove."

Added Hawkins: "Coach always talks about getting the ball and getting up extra shots and your percentage will go up. I've been in the gym working on my shot the past couple of mornings and it showed tonight."

Still, Marquie Cooke's game-high 15 points and timely baskets by the Vikings down the stretch helped ECSU pull out its third win over FSU this season.

Cooke was one of four Vikings' players - Trent Bivens, Paul Goldsmith and Angelo Sharpless - in double figures.

"It was a learning experience," said conference rookie of the year Sharpless on his first CIAA tournament game. "From being under Coach Walker, he taught me how to be humble."

Jamel Carpenter, the CIAA's leading scorer, finished with 12 points and six rebounds for the Broncos. Davon Hood added seven points and seven rebounds while seniors Larry Ross and Jason Thompson had six each.