Balance Is Key For Towson

Towson Defeats Fairleigh Dickinson 90-87

Balance Is Key For Towson

Towson, MD – Towson withstood a late last minute charge to close out Fairleigh Dickinson 90-87. This was a battle of runs throughout the game by both teams. Towson relied heavily on attacking the lane and playing their physical style of ball. FDU just did not have an answer. Their lack of size and physicality is Towson’s strength, and Towson took advantage. Towson had five players score in double figures, and out rebounded FDU 44 to 29. They also had 52 points in the paint, to only 28 by FDU. Towson also failed to make a three pointer in the game going 0-7. There were 84 total free throws in this game. We see yet again the officials are calling things close.

For FDU they got off to a solid start in the first half and took a 44 to 36 lead into the half. Junior wing Earl Potts Jr. (6’6 205) got off to a hot start in front of his hometown fans. Potts who is from nearby Spalding High School, the school that produced Rudy Gay, made three first half three-pointers. Potts who was the most improved player of the Northeast Conference last season had eleven points at the half. The second half was a different story. Potts struggled to get involved in the offense, and seemed reluctant to attack too much due to his backcourt teammates who were carrying the load. Potts finished with 13 points and six rebounds.

Starting shooting guard Darian Anderson (6’1 182) proved why he was the Knights leading scorer at 17 ppg. Anderson was quiet early on, but caught fire late in the first half hitting three late three-pointers. Anderson finished with four in the first half and had 16 points. Anderson has no filter when it comes to shooting three-pointers. It seems like he is more comfortable taking shots with players in his face. Anderson was super aggressive throughout and scored on several floaters in the lane. He finished with 33 points, six three-pointers, four assists and four rebounds.

Point guard Stephan Jiggetts (6’1 195) also had a solid game. Jiggetts used his body and physical style of play to get into the lane often. He initiates a lot of contact and also has the ability to find the open man. Jiggetts plays under control and provides a good contrast to fellow guard Anderson. Jiggetts finished with 25 points, 12-15 from the free throw line and had eight assists.

Towson like much of the year provided a scoring balance throughout its lineup. The Tigers had six players with nine points or over. Deshaun Morman (6’3 195) had nine points, Alex Thomas (6’9 250) eleven points, Eddie Keith (6’5 220) 13 points, William Adala Moto (6’7 225) 14 points, Mike Morsell (6’5 215) 18 points and John Davis (6’5 235) had 18 points. That is a very tough matchup for any team to game plan for. When you have players that can chip in close to ten points on any given night that gives you a huge advantage.

Mike Morsell used his savvy play to earn most of his points at the free throw line. Morsell drew constant fouls when getting defenders in the air or off balance and drawing contact. Morsell played an unselfish game and impacted it a little differently than normal. Mike came into the game averaging 18 ppg. and did just that and added six rebounds and five assists.

The other big impact player for Towson was senior wing player John Davis. Davis forces his way into the lane often. He can finish with contact and provides consistent effort on the boards. Davis provides a tricky mismatch when he is in the game. He has the strength of a forward but the height of a guard. He can post up smaller guards, or take post players off the dribble. He has a versatile skill set on offense. Davis finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.

This was a big win for Towson who had to battle back several times and withstand a late charge to pull out the victory. It was also encouraging for FDU, who now has Potts back looking closer to full strength after returning from injury. Both teams should do well in their respective conferences this season.

Up next for FDU is Wednesday @ Rutgers

Up next for Towson is Saturday @ UMBC

Maryland Survives Yet Again

Oklahoma State @ Maryland

Maryland stormed back late in the second half to steal a win away from Oklahoma State 71-70. Melo Trimble made two free throws with under ten seconds to play to seal another late nail bitter win for the Terps. Jawun Evans of Oklahoma State made an off balanced floater, but it was after the buzzer had sounded. This game had the feel and energy of a tournament game in March.

Leading the way for Oklahoma State was star sophomore point guard Jawun Evans (6’1 185). Evans was a huge force in the first half penetrating the lane at will and putting himself and his teammates in positions to score. Evans also showed his quickness and pesky play on defense forcing Terps point guard Anthony Cowan into several turnovers. Jawun displayed why the NBA scouts may be keeping a close watch on him despite his lack of size. Not to mention his wingspan is reportedly over 6’4 and is quite noticeable. Evans fizzled off in the second half however only scoring six points. Cowan did a solid job guarding him and Damonte Dodd stepped up his pick and roll defense. Evans finished with 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Also making a huge impact for the Cowboys was junior small forward Jeffrey Carroll (6’6 215). Carroll had a massive impact on the boards. He seemed to have an instinct that only the great rebounders have. He was constantly around the ball keeping it alive or just corralling the board himself. On offense Carroll showed an ability to hit the corner three in catch and shoot situations, as well as put the ball on the floor once the defense over commits. Carroll still has some work to do with his ball handling and playmaking abilities, but he has a solid skill set to start from. Carroll finished with 15 points, 3 of 6 from three and a game high 12 rebounds.

Phil Forte III (5’11 195) struggled shooting the ball all night. He went 3 of 16 from the field, including just 2 of 10 from three. Forte did play some solid defense on Melo and others to contribute in a different way. Forte finished with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists.

For Maryland Melo Trimble (6’3 185) led the way. Trimble impacted the game with his veteran leadership and his defense that has vastly improved over the last two seasons. Trimble’s shooting woes continued from three going 0 for 5 on the night. Melo’s shot looks good and has consistent form it just still isn’t falling for him. When Melo struggles from three he just drives the lane and does what he does best. He may be the best penetrator in the country. Trimble finished with 13 points, six assists and four rebounds.

The Terps received unexpected contributions from a couple of role players on the night. The most impactful in the second half was junior guard Jaylen Brantley (5’11 170). Brantley provided a much need spark when Maryland was down 60-48 late in the second half. He was in the game while Melo was taking a rest and the Terps erased a twelve point deficit and took a lead 61-60. Brantley made several key jumpers and even attacked the rim where he drew contact on several occasions. Brantley finished with twelve points and two rebounds.

The other impactful player for the Terps was senior center Damonte Dodd (6’11 250) or also known as Doddzilla. Dodd was a force in the paint on both ends of the floor. On offense he crashed the glass hard, getting five offensive rebounds. Dodd mainly scored off of very close range lay ins or put backs. His offensive game is still very limited and raw. On defense Dodd was a nuisance to anyone who dared to come in the paint. He altered many shots and finished with three blocks. If Dodd can consistently provide this effort and impact for the Terps that will vastly help balance their perimeter heavy attack. Dodd finished with twelve points, eight rebounds and three rebounds.

This game provided positive signs for fans of both teams. For Oklahoma State it showed that they can compete in a tough road environment. They just need more work on how to put away an opponent on the road, which is easier said than done. For Maryland it showed that they will never give up no matter how dim the situation may seem. The question for Maryland is how long can they live on the edge like this?

Up next for Maryland is a home game vs Howard on Wednesday.

Up next for Oklahoma State is an away game vs Tulsa on Saturday.

Michael Young Scouting Report

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Jamel Artis Scouting Report

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Cameron Johnson Scouting Report

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Lucas Woodhouse Scouting Report

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Akwasi Yeboah Scouting Report

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Tyrell Sturdivant Scouting Report

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Artis and Young Fuel Pitt Past Maryland

Pitt @ Maryland

College Park, Md – Senior duo Michael Young (6’9 235) and Baltimore native Jamel Artis (6’7 215) combine for 47 points to beat Maryland on its home floor 73-59. Pittsburgh jumped out to a solid start and used a 25-4 run to lead at the break 46-25. Pittsburgh came into the game 5-1 and the Terps 7-0.

In the first half it was the Jamel Artis show. The do it all shooting guard showed his versatility scoring and even running the offense from time to time. Artis used his size to exploit smaller defenders and also drove the lane at will to finish at the rim. Artis had 15 points in the first half. Being a 6’7 guard, Artis can play multiple positions on both ends of the floor. He can basically play 1-4 on offense and guard 1-4 on defense if needed. Artis was most effective when driving the lane and taking on his defenders head on. Jamel showed an ability to keep the defense honest by knocking down a couple of three’s. This really allowed him to blow by any defenders that were off balance. Artis finished with 22 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.

The second half was dominated by Michael Young. Young showed the offensive skillset of an NBA forward. Young is shooting 47% from three and 86% from the foul line so far this season. The ability to keep his defender off balance by shooting from the perimeter and putting the ball on the floor is what makes Young so valuable. When he drives the lane he absorbs a lot of contact and uses his strength to power through defenders. He went to the foul line ten times converting nine. Michael also has the ability to post up and score on plays in the paint or on fade away jumpers. He was an absolute force for the Panthers on the offensive side all night. Young finished with 25 points, 2-4 from three, 9-10 from the free throw line and nine rebounds.

Young and Artis both displayed why Pitt will be a tough out in the ACC and a strong NCAA tournament competitor. Both players generated some interest from the NBA after tonight’s performance.

For Maryland the game was not so pretty. They struggled shooting the ball all night. They finished at 34% from the field and only 27% from three (10-36). Yes Maryland shot 36 three pointers. That number is eye popping. Maybe they should have switched it up some and tried to attack the basket more, but a lot of these three pointers were wide open or in rhythm looks. Maryland will need to figure out their shooting ways if the want to be a BIG10 contender this season.

Leading the way for Maryland was Melo Trimble (6’3 185). Trimble coming off two solid games in the Barclay’s Center Classic struggled to get going in this game. Trimble did not have as many lanes to drive to the basket as usual against Pitt’s zone defense. This forced him to fire away from three where his shot has been inconsistent since his freshman season. Trimble went 2-8 from three in the game. Trimble led the Terps with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Michal Cekovsky (7’1 250) has been playing well since starting the season late from an injury. In his first four games he is averaging 10 points, four rebounds, one block, while shooting 69% from the field. Tonight Cekovsky may have been the only bright spot. He continued to make his presence felt down low scoring on close range shots or put backs. Cekovsky was also a factor protecting the paint finishing with two blocks. This is exactly the type of play Maryland will need from its big man to be able to withstand the struggles of BIG10 conference play. Cekovsky scored ten points, had three rebounds, two blocks, went 4-4 from the field in only 20 minutes of play. His playing time will continue to increase as he is eased back into the lineup after returning from injury.

Things will not get easier for the Terps as they face Oklahoma State at home on Saturday night. A team that just beat Georgetown 97-70. Maryland came from behind to beat Georgetown by one 76-75 a couple of weeks ago.

For Pitt they face Duquesne at home on Friday.

Towson Dismantles Stony Brook

Towson, Md – Towson (3-2) used a huge 30-0 run to separate themselves from winless Stony Brook (0-4) for a final of 88-63. This game was a part of the Barclays Center Classic but it was played at Towson. Mike Morsell led the way for the Tigers with 21 points, while his teammate Deshaun Morman had 18.

The Seawolves of Stony Brook got off to a good start early in the first half leading 26-18. Towson then turned up the pressure and went on a massive 32-2 run to take a 50-28 lead into half. Early on for Stony Brook junior forward Akwasi Yeboah (6’6 230) showed his versatile skill set helping his squad jump out to an early lead. Akwasi scored ten of Stony Brook’s first 16 points. He made two three’s and drove to the basket with ease early. The unfortunate part about this is that is all the points Akwasi scored in the entire game. Akwasi finished with ten points and one rebound.

Leading scorer Tyrell Sturdivant (6’7 224) struggled to find any rhythm throughout the game on offense. He came into the game averaging 15 ppg. and 9 rpg., but missed several close range hook shots and putbacks. Stony Brook will not be able to afford having Sturdivant struggle on offense if they want to remain competitive throughout the year. He is their only post presence. One that is trying to help fill the void left by current NBA D-Leaguer Jameel Warney, who the team’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks and games played.

Also contributing was senior point guard Lucas Woodhouse (6’3 180). Woodhouse finished with nine points, two assists and three steals.

For Towson much like last year balance was the key to getting the win. The Tigers had five players score in double figures. Leading the way was Mike Morsell (6’5 215). Morsell showed the ability to pull up from three with fluidity, while also being able to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. Morsell is becoming a better all-around scorer this year and he is now displaying better consistency from deep as well. Morsell finished with 21 points, 9 of 13 from the field and 3 of 5 from three. He also chipped in three rebounds. Deshaun Morman (6’3 195) had a breakout game in his first home contest of his Towson career. Morman, the Cincinnati transfer, was a playmaker on both ends of the floor. Morman used his defensive prowess very well when Towson started pressing Stony Brook mid-way through the first half. This allowed Morman to create turnovers and get out on the break where he excels in the open floor. Morman scored on several breakaways and was attacking the lane at will. Deshaun was rewarded with ten free throws, converting seven of them. Morman had 18 points, four rebounds and four steals.

The other three players for Towson that finished in double figures were William Adala Moto (6’7 225) eleven points, seven rebounds and three assists; Alex Thomas (6’9 250) 12 points and five rebounds; John Davis (6’5 235) 13 points, ten rebounds and two steals.

This game was a part of a campus tournament Towson is hosting as part of the Barclays Center Classic. With Maryland, Boston College, Richmond and Kansas State playing in Brooklyn; Towson is hosting a four team tournament with Hampton, Stony Brook and Robert Morris.

Up next for Stony Brook is Hampton on Saturday at 5:00.

Up next for Towson is Robert Morris on Saturday at 7:30.