Box Score
RALEIGH, N.C. – Former Lock Haven standout Amir Hinton scored 44 points, including a 27 for 29 effort from the free throw line, to lift Shaw to an 89-83 victory over No. 15 East Stroudsburg University on Sunday.
Redshirt senior
Jakwan Jones netted a career-high 24 points, while redshirt senior
Josh Williams (15 points, 10 rebounds) recorded his first collegiate double-double, but the Warriors (0-2) could not overcome Hinton's individual effort for the host Bears (2-0).
Hinton, a two-time first team All-PSAC performer who averaged over 23 points per game during his two years at Lock Haven, contributed to ESU's 31 team fouls on the afternoon. One Warrior fouled out, while three others had four fouls at the game's conclusion.
After trailing by as many as 10 points early, ESU closed the first half on a 6-0 run to reduce its deficit at the intermission to 46-45. A 3-pointer by freshman
Shamir Johnson gave the visitors their final lead at 58-57 with 12:54 remaining in regulation.
Geremy Taylor and DaVaughn Kelsie hit 3-pointers during a 10-2 run which put Shaw back in front. The Bears upped their advantage back up to 10 points with 5:50 left, and the Warriors could get no closer than four in the closing minutes.
Jones' previous scoring high was a 20-point effort in a home win over Shippensburg last January. He hit 7 of 15 field goal attempts, including 4 of 8 shots from beyond the arc, and also dished out six of ESU's 11 overall assists.
Williams' 10 rebounds were a new career-high, while his 15 points were four shy of his collegiate best. Freshman
Ryan Smith chipped in 16 points and seven rebounds, while senior
Nick Giordano supplied 13 points for the Warriors.
The teams combined for 54 fouls and 74 free throw attempts in the contest. ESU's 29 attempts from the charity stripe matched Hinton's individual total.
Alex Owens (13 points, nine rebounds) and Davon Dillard (12 points) followed Hinton on the scoresheet for Shaw, which was projected to finish first in the CIAA Southern division preseason coaches' poll.
The Warriors are back in action at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, when they host Cheyney in their 2018-19 home opener at Koehler Fieldhouse.
