Can't Knock the Hustle: Reviewing UMES First Road Victory

The Hawks looked determined to get over the hump, and put forth a complete 40 minute effort on Saturday, downing FAMU, 67-51. The win was the first of the season on the road. Head Coach Frankie Allen demanded consistency from his team before the game, and for the most part, his players responded.

I liked how UMES was able to storm out of the gate - they built a double-digit lead in the game's opening minutes. The defense played together - there was more talking and pointing from players on the defensive end than I'd seen over the past few ballgames. The result was evident, as the Hawks held the Rattlers to just 12 points over the first 17 or so minutes. UMES lead at that point by 20, and it appeared they would coast to a victory.

FAMU, however, was able to rally over the last three minutes of the half, and had some momentum on their side at the break, trailing by just 13. Their run would continue in the early part of the second half, as the Hawks saw their lead cut down to three at one point. UMES again would respond, this time with aggressive play on the offensive end. I like the pick-and-roll game with junior point guard Kevin White - he was able to score in the lane consistently in half number two. Senior Neal Pitt, just three games back from an ankle injury, looked more like his old self down low. Freshman Sean Berry continued to impress, playing the final minutes on an ankle that was clearly hindering him. I love the guts.

The Hawks, who struggled at the line last weekend against South Carolina State, made their free-bees down the stretch, and were able to withstand the comeback attempt by the Rattlers. That to me is a big sign of improvement, and should be something this young team can fall back on from a confidence stand point moving forward.

The question now is can UMES build on the victory by doing it again on Monday. The Bethune Cookman gymnasium is one of the smallest, loudest gyms in the MEAC, and will offer another big January test.