PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The Coppin State men's basketball team placed four players in double figures during its 92-82 setback at Maryland Eastern Shore at the William P. Hytche Athletic Center in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) men's basketball game Saturday night.
Coppin State junior guard
Sterling Smith completed a memorable week scoring a team-high 23 points. This was the first time in Smith's career he has scored at least 20 points in consecutive games. In two contests this week, Smith averaged 23.5 points in games against North Carolina A&T and UMES. He also hauled down eight rebounds to lead the Eagles in that category for the second straight game.
Coppin State senior guard
Taariq Cephas completed a January to cherish with 16 points and eight assists. In the process, Cephas became the third Coppin State men's basketball player in school history to surpass 400 career assists. With his eight dimes, the third straight game he's had at least that many, Cephas upped his career total to 403. He is three assists from passing Steve Miller and into second place all-time.
In seven games this month, Cephas averaged 13.3 points, 7.0 assists and 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals. He had a 3.3 assist-to-turnover ratio as well.
Also reaching double figures for the Eagles was sophomore guard
Christian Kessee, who finished with 16 points. It was his third straight game reaching double figures.
Dallas Gary ended a strong month of January by notching double-digits for the third straight game with 15 points. He averaged 12 points in seven games and had four double-digit outings.
Coppin State also made 13 3-pointers, the fourth straight game it has made at least 10. The Eagles have made at least nine triples in a game 15 times this season. Coppin State attempted 34 3-pointers, which was half of their 68 shots in the fiercely-fought contest.
The Eagles enjoyed a strong opening half as they zoomed to a pair of 13-point leads before settling for a 48-45 edge at intermission. Coppin State has scored at least 40 points in a half in four straight games. The Eagles led 55-50 with 17 minutes remaining before UMES took control with a 14-0 run.
Now, Coppin State can turn its attention to the rest of its schedule where it will play six of its final eight contests at home.
UMES was led by Devon Walker's 27 points. Also for the Hawks, Ryan Andino scored all 14 of his points after intermission.
The Eagles return home Monday night for a nationally-televised contest against Morgan State beginning at 7:00 p.m. The game will be on ESPNU and it's a "Gold Out." It's the start of a four-game four homestand for Coppin State.
CHECK BACK LATER FOR A COMPLETE RECAP FROM TODAY'S GAME
