Cougars Secure Victory Over CSM Hawks 101-94

Frederick Cougars men's basketball team triumphs over the second-place team in Region 20 DII College of Southern Maryland Hawks 101-94 in a hard-fought victory.

Frederick started the game strong, scoring the game's first six points, and continued to pull away by going on a 9 to 5 run to build a double-digit lead, 15-5, in the first five minutes. That lead continued to balloon as the Cougars made it difficult for the Hawks to find an open shot. Malik Witherspoon had a double-double by halftime with 13 points and ten rebounds, while Terrel Neal and Justin Morrisey also had double figures halfway through the game, with FCC dominating the first half, leading 51-34.

The Cougars' momentum continued coming out of halftime. Witherspoon pulls down an offensive rebound and puts it right back up and in for two. On the next trip down, the Cougars contest Southern Maryland's shots, Mike Davis with a defensive rebound, come back down on offense, and Witherspoon finds the bucket again for two more. Just like that, the Cougars built a 21-point lead, their largest lead.

Despite a late surge from the College of Southern Maryland in the second half, FCC's resilient defensive grit, offensive efficiency, and second-chance points proved too much for the Hawks. It was a significant factor in the Cougar's 7-point victory. 

Witherspoon shone with 25 points and 20 rebounds, Morrisey finished with 24 points, and Terrell Neal recorded his third double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 assists. Jaden Arrington's three-point shooting proves crucial, with nine points, five assists, and five rebounds. Ryan Turner's 16 points off the bench seal the Cougars' 7-point win. 

With the win, the Cougars men's basketball improved to 13-11 on the season and 6-6 in regional contests and are tied for sixth in Region 20 DII. 

Frederick has not trailed their opponent for two entire games, and they look to continue that streak when they take on WVU Potomac State College Catamounts at home on Monday, February 26, at 7:00 PM in the Athletics Center. 

The Catamounts have an overall record of 9-13 and are 5-6 in Region 20 Divisional contests.