www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070107/NEWSREC0105/701070319GREENSBORO-- Rest was not an option for N.C. A&T after defeating Maryland-Eastern Shore on Saturday.
The Aggies (1-1, 5-9) led by as many as 20. But A&T coach Jerry Eaves was not satisfied with the Aggies' 80-66 victory, so he made his team have an extra workout after winning.
"My team's effort was poor," Eaves said. "No question. There was no intensity with what we did."
A&T guards Steven Rush, a Greensboro Day graduate, and Austin Ewing scored 16 points apiece to lead the Aggies. Greg Roberts scored 15.
"Coach wants us to win by as many points as possible," Ewing said before going to work out. "We are suppose to be in the weight room to make sure we stay in shape, even though we won the game.
"Do what the man tells you to do," Ewing added about the work out. "That's all we can do."
Rush, who did not start but was fourth in the nation with 39 threes through 10 games, made his presence known when entering the game halfway through the first half.
With less than nine minutes left in the half, A&T was up by two. Rush scored eight points, which included back-to-back 3-pointers, within three minutes to extend A&T's lead to 29-17.
"The guys look forward to when I come in the game," Rush said. "(Eaves) likes to bring me in as a spark off the bench. Its nothing personal."
The Hawks (0-3, 2-12) played without shooting threat Jesse Brooks. Brooks, who has an ankle injury, averages 13.3 points a game.
"Not having (Brooks) makes a big difference," Maryland-Eastern Shore coach Larry Lessett said. "It just does. Not taking anything away from A&T, but it makes a big difference."
Maryland-Eastern Shore cut A&T's lead to eight with 8:52 remaining when Ed Tyson, who led the Hawks with 22 points, hit a basket. Nick Wilson, a Bowling Green transfer, answered with a three to stop the Hawks rally.
"They played shorthanded without their starting point guard," Eaves said. "They played hard and had three kids play the whole game."
Corey Brown scored 21 points for the Hawks. The Aggies shot 17-for-24 from the foul line, while the Hawks were 11-for-16. Jason Wills, who also did not start for the Aggies, scored 12 points and had eight rebounds.
"Starting means nothing, Eaves said. "It is absolutely overated. Its the way you finish."
A&T had not played at home in 32 days and was coming off an upset over Southern Methodist. During that span, A&T played New Mexico, Arizona State, Dayton, and Baylor.
"The effort was not there, Eaves said. "It was not the effort we had against SMU, not the effort we had against New Mexico. We're going to have to correct that."
A&T out-rebounded the Hawks 44-33 and forced 22 turnovers. The Aggies will host Howard on Monday in a nationally-televised game on ESPNU at 9 p.m.