LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - It's always good to be home. Especially, when you haven't been there for almost a month. The Little Rock men's basketball team took a 78-59 win over Maryland Eastern Shore Wednesday night at the Jack Stephens Center. The Trojans hadn't played a home game since a season-opening win against Arkansas Baptist Nov. 4.
Little Rock's Jonathan Lawson led all scorers with 16 points. He also added five assists. Tuongthack Gatkek, Mwani Wilkinson and Isaiah Lewis each added 13 points. Jordan Jefferson chipped in 11 and Ante Beljan 8.
Evan Johnson led the Hawks with 15 points.
"I'm exhausted, and I know these guys are because they played," Trojans head coach Darrell Walker said. "I feel for Maryland Eastern Shore, and these HBCUs who have to play all of these 'money games' on the road. I know how they feel.
"I told our guys to get in the cold tub and takes some anti-inflammatories and rest."
The Trojans continue a six-game homestand with Central Arkansas on Wednesday, Dec 4.
Little Rock (4-4) led UMES by nine at halftime after a slow start, but the game didn't stay close long in the second half. Lawson capped an 8-0 with a bucket to put Little Rock up 48-33 with just under 17 minutes left.
Lewis' jumper with 14:45 to play in the game gave the Trojans a 53-36 advantage. Little Rock scored four more unanswered points to push the lead to 57-36 on Caleb Pennyfeather's shot inside with 13:04 remaining.
The Trojans led by as many as 22, and UMES (2-8) never got closer than 15 the rest of the way.
"It felt good to be home after being on the road for 10 day straight," Jefferson said. "It was tiring – we are worn out. It's good to have five more home games.
Little Rock shot 49.2% from the field, including 33.3% (8-of-24) from the three-point line.
