Despite a 78-99 Loss the Bears had Three in Double Figures

Espinosa, Obadina, & Smith in Double Digits

January 9, 2007

Raleigh, NC – Despite having three players in double figures it proved not to be enough to hold off the Vikings of Elizabeth City State (6-4, 3-1 CIAA, 1-0 East) who scored 57 points in the second half to the Bears of Shaw University's (2-10, 0-5 CIAA, 0-1 East) 44 points. Damola Obadina (6’5, JR, Forward, Minneapolis, MN) led the Bears in scoring and rebounds with 17 points and 7 boards against the Vikings. 

In the first, Shaw shot 46% from the floor and 33% from beyond the 3-point arc. The Bears scored 12 points in the paint, 12 second chance points and 9 points off the bench. Guiding the Bears in the first was Obadina who scored seven points. The Vikings shot 56% from the floor and 53% from beyond the 3-point arc. Devin Mooring led the way for Elizabeth City the first half with 21 points making the half time score 34-42.

The second half got off to a rolling start as the Vikings would score 57 points in the second half, while Shaw only scored 44. Shaw shot a better 50% from the floor going 15-30 but only 37% from beyond the 3-point arc. Elizabeth City shot 55% from the floor in the second half. ECSU was led by Anthony Hilliard who had 16 points in the second half.   

After it all was said and done, Shaw had 26 points in the paint, 18 from turnovers and 26 off the bench. They shot 48% from the floor and 35% from behind the 3-point arc. The Vikings shot an impressive 56% from the floor and 47% from beyond the 3-point arc for the game. Shaw had Robert Espinosa (6’7, JR, Forward, Plainfield, NJ) with 10 points, Melvin Smith (6’3, JR, Guard, Roanoke, VA) with11 points and Obadina with 17 points and seven rebounds on the night.