Jawun Evans

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Jeffrey Carroll Scouting Report

Jeffrey Carroll

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Phil Forte III Scouting Report

Phil Forte III

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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.