WILMINGTON, N.C. – Trailing by 13 points with 7:17 remaining, things did not look good for Towson. But, led by three freshman and two sophomores, the Tigers mounted a comeback that nearly resulted in victory. Unfortunately, UNCW made a key shot down the stretch to hand Towson a 69-65 Saturday evening at Trask Coliseum.
Towson (9-12, 2-6 CAA) began their comeback at the foul line as
Byron Hawkins and
Walter Foster each hit a free throw, and Foster stepped into a 15-foot jumper. After
Eddie Keith II hit a pair of free throws, layups from
John Davis, Keith II and
Mike Morsell pulled the Tigers within two points.
The Tigers defense forced a shot-clock violation and Keith II knocked down two free throws on the other end to complete the 13-1 run and tie the game 62-62 with 1:43 remaining.
UNCW (11-8, 6-2 CAA) quickly regained the lead on a Craig Ponder three-point play, before adding a free throw to take a four-point lead.
Davis got the Tigers back within one as he converted a three-point play with 52 seconds remaining. The Seahakws then hit one-of-two free throws and gave the Tigers a chance to tie on their last possession.
Towson ran the clock down and went for the tie, but Keith II slipped on the floor and the Seahawks were able to escape with the ball and the win.
Davis continued strong sophomore campaign by scoring a career-high 26 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. It was his fourth-straight double-double, and CAA-leading 10
th of the season. Davis helped to keep the Tigers in the game in the first half as he had 13 points and eight rebounds as Towson trailed 31-22 at the break.
Foster joined Davis with a double-double as he tied his career-bests with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Hawkins was the only other Tiger in double figures with 10 points.
The Tigers return to action Thursday evening as they welcome College of Charleston to SECU Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
The 2015 CAA Men's Basketball Championship will be held March 6-9 at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Md. Call 1-855-TU-TIGER for your tickets.
