Morgan State’s men’s basketball team defeated the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks 65-58 in the first round of the MEAC Tournament Tuesday.

The first half of the contest was particularly close, as the two teams exchanged leads four times. Morgan’s first half shooting was abysmal from the three-point line, going just 2-10 attempts; however, they made 41 percent of their shots from the field, and went into the half down 33-29.

The Bears showed improvement in all areas offensively in the second half. They shot over 61 percent at the free throw line after they shot just 33 percent in the first half. Their defense allowed them to help erase a nine-point deficit and win the ballgame, allowing just one made three-pointer and only 35 percent from the field.

Forward Phillip Carr led all Morgan scorers with 16 points, including a three-point play at the end of the first half. The sophomore also grabbed five rebounds and recorded two blocks and a steal. Guard Donte Pretlow contributed 10 points, five rebounds and seven assists.

Morgan State takes on their next opponent, the No. 1 seed Hampton University Pirates, Wednesday night at 6 p.m.