Coppin State Eagles Struggle in Early Season, Face Tough Matchups

The Coppin State Eagles men’s basketball team is off to a challenging start in the 2024-2025 season, currently holding a 0-4 record. Their latest matchup was against the UMBC Retrievers on November 14, 2024, at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena. Despite a strong performance from redshirt senior Derrius Ward, who leads the team in both scoring and rebounding with averages of 14.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, the Eagles were unable to secure a win. Ward was recently named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week for his impressive defensive efforts.

In the game against UMBC, the Retrievers, who are now 2-1 on the season, took a decisive victory. UMBC’s sophomore guard Dion Brown and freshman guard Franck Emmou each contributed significantly, with Brown scoring 18 points and Emmou adding 11 points. The Retrievers have historically struggled against the Eagles, holding a 15-28 all-time record, but managed to secure a win this time around.

The Eagles have been outscored by an average of 70.8 to 49.5 in their first four contests, indicating significant defensive and offensive challenges. Their schedule does not get easier, with upcoming games against strong opponents that will test their resilience and team cohesion.

In addition to their men’s basketball struggles, the Coppin State women’s basketball team is also facing a tough schedule. However, the focus remains on the men’s team as they seek to turn their season around and secure their first win of the year.