PRINCESS ANNE, MD – Cairn Men's Basketball faced off with Maryland Eastern Shore in exhibition play on Monday, dropping the matchup 81-64.
 
Graduate guard Jaylon Simpson (Atlanta, GA / Belmont Abbey) gave the Highlanders the lead on their first possession with a triple as classmate Josiah Hardy (Ashburn, VA / Hampden-Sydney) made a layup and three to keep Cairn (6-3 / 3-0 UNITED EAST) ahead by four. The Hawks answered back with a three to which graduate guard Corey Baldwin (Henderson, NC / Averett) put up a three in return. The lead was then surrendered with Maryland Eastern Shore (4-11 / MEAC) quickly running ahead by seven. Baldwin made another three to stay within striking distance until the Hawks had their biggest lead of the night at ten. Graduate guard Jadon Cepeda (West New York, NJ / William Paterson) made a layup with a free throw as fifth year forward Isaiah Coleman (Fontana, CA / Clarks Summit University) added a three and Simpson a layup to cut the lead to seven at the half.
 
Hardy had the first four points for Cairn out of the break which held the lead at six, but the Hawks flew ahead to a sixteen-point lead. Hardy would score four more with the Highlanders scattering free throws to stay scoring but not enough to overcome the deficit. Graduate guard Jeff Williamson (Brooklyn, NY / SUNY Potsdam) got into the action with a pair of layups while Baldwin and senior guard Jonathan Desir (Feasterville, PA / Neshaminy) each scored a three in the closing minute of the game.
 
Hardy matched a game-high 21 points with a blocked shot and four boards. Baldwin was also in double figures with 17 points behind three deep shots. Cairn held the advantage in points off turnovers (18-9) and second chance points (8-5) but Maryland Eastern Shore battled in the paint with over half their points coming from close range.
 
The Highlanders will continue the road portion of their schedule, matching up with Swarthmore on January 30 before taking on McDaniel in the new year.