RALEIGH, N.C. – The Frostburg State men's basketball team posted a second-half rally in its first game at the NCAA Division II level on Friday, but the Bobcats ultimately fell to host Shaw, 96-92.
The Bobcats trailed by 13 points at halftime, 48-35, and by as many as 15 points just before the midway point in the second half.
Frostburg shot nearly 60 percent from the floor in the second half and started the rally when sophomore Bo Schene connected on a three-pointer with exactly 10 minutes to go in regulation.
Senior Demetrich Williams hit two free throws and a layup at 8:47 and sophomore Torrin Stephens hit a layup at 7:23 as FSU trailed just 78-70.
Moments later, senior Daniel Alexander hit a jumper with 5:25 to play and first-year Jaylon Johnson knocked down a three-pointer at 5:01 as Frostburg pulled to within three points.
Back-to-back baskets from Alexander briefly gave Frostburg its first lead since early in the game. Alexander hit a three-pointer at 3:02 and made a fast-break layup at 2:36 for an 87-86 advantage.
However, Shaw answered with a 10-0 run that put the hosts in control. Stephens and Alexander each hit a basket inside the final 20 seconds as the Bobcats cut the final deficit to four.
FSU was also able to trim its halftime deficit to two with 12:48 on the second-half clock. Williams started the run and Joe Adedayo capped the outburst with a layup at 12:48. The Bears answered with a 13-0 run that built their lead to 15, before Frostburg's final rally.
Alexander opened his final collegiate season with a double-double 22 points and 12 rebounds. He shot 8-of-17 from the field with a team-best three three-pointers. Leondre Rogers came off the bench to score 16 points, while Williams added 13 points and eight boards.
The Bobcats shot 33-of-72 (45.8%) from the field and had 50 points from their bench. However, 22 turnovers and 12 missed foul shots hurt Frostburg.
Greyson Kelley posted 27 points for the hosts as David Madol had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Frostburg returns to action tomorrow when it faces St. Augustine's at 4:00 pm.
