Norfolk, VA (Sports Network) - Deven Williams poured in a career-high 26 points as the Savannah State Tigers dismissed the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks, 59-44, in the opening round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament at Norfolk Scope Arena.

Williams shot 10-of-13 from the floor, including 6-of-7 from 3-point range for fourth-seeded Savannah State (19-13), which shot 51.1 percent from the field in the 15-point triumph. Preston Blackman added 12 points, while Rashad Hassan put up 10 points.

Troy Snyder led the way with nine points, five rebounds and four assists for 13th-seeded UMES (2-26).

Savannah State will take on fifth-seeded Morgan State in Thursday's quarterfinal round.