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SPARTANBURG, SC – Chowan University rallied from an early deficit and advanced to the semifinals of the Conference Carolinas Men’s Basketball Championship by holding off Lees-McRae, 81-76, here this afternoon (Friday).

The victory gives the Hawks a school single-season record 20^th win at the NCAA D-II level. The previous record of 19 wins was during the 2015-16 season. It also marks the second trip to the semifinal round for the Hawks in the Conference Carolinas and first since the 2020-21 Spring season.

Daylan Askew posted his 16th 20+ point outing of the season after pouring in 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Preston Le Gassick notched 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting while adding six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.

RJ Wilson posted his school record 15th double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds while going 6-of-6 from the charity stripe.

Cheick Traore led the Hawks with 15 rebounds.

Lees-McRae started the contest on a 14-3 run before the Hawks rallied back to take a 34-33 lead with 3:30 remaining in the first half. LMC went on an 8-3 run to end the half as the Bobcats went 8-of-13 from deep in the first half.

Chowan opened up the second half on a 14-3 run to lead 50-45. The Hawks would maintain their slim advantage until Lees-McRae rallied with a 9-2 run during a 45 second stretch to close the gap to 77-76 with 16.3 seconds remaining.

Skyler Davies and RJ Wilson connected from the charity stripe to salt away the contest.

Chowan, seeded #3 in the tourney, will take on second-seeded Emmanuel on Saturday, March 9. Tipoff is slated for 2:45 pm in Spartanburg, SC.