TOWSON, Md. – In a world dominated by emoji's, any mention of the Towson men's basketball team lately would be followed by fire. In winning three of their last four games, the Tigers have torched the hardwood with their balanced scoring, relentless rebounding, sensational shot-blocking ability and tenacious defense.
 
That perfect combination of basketball has helped Towson soar into first place in the heavily congested Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the nation's ninth best conference according to the latest RPI released earlier this week. The Tigers are looking to remain in the Catbird Seat when the College of Charleston makes its annual visit to SECU Arena.
 

When	Thursday, January 21
Where	Towson, Maryland (SECU Arena)
Time	6 p.m.
Team Records	College of Charleston (10-7 overall, 2-4 CAA); Towson (13-6, 4-2)
TV	Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic, Philadelphia & SNY
Radio	TowsonTigers.com
Series	Towson leads the series, 5-2
Last Meeting	Towson 53, College of Charleston 50 (February 15, 2015)

Educator Appreciaton Night
Towson will be celebrating Educators throughout the area during the game.

Today's Game
The Tigers conclude a quick two-game homestand. Despite missing three key players, including the CAA's leading scorer Canyon Berry, the Cougars still present a formidable challenge as they are second in the conference in scoring defense behind Towson. The Cougars were picked ninth in the coaches' preseason poll while Towson was picked seventh. Under Pat Skerry, Towson is 5-1 against Charleston.
 
On the Air
Thursday's game will be televised on Comcast SportsNet with Al Koken and Glenn Consor on the call. The game can be heard live on CBS Sports Radio 1300.  Spiro Morekas will provide the play-by-play. 
 
Skerry on the Radio
Head Coach Pat Skerry can be heard on 10.5.7 the Fan every Tuesday at 12:25 during the 2015-16 season.  Skerry will talk with Vinny and Rob and everything Towson basketball.
 
vs. Charleston
This will be the eighth meeting between Charleston and Towson. The Tigers lead the all-time series 5-2. Towson swept both meetings last season: 74-70 (at Towson) and 53-50 (at Charleston). The Tigers are 2-1 all-time against Charleston in Towson, having won two straight at home.
 
Awesome Adala-Moto
William Adala-Moto has been living at the free throw line during the CAA season. He has attempted double-digit free throws in three of Towson's six games: William & Mary (12), UNCW (14), Delaware (11). Through six CAA games, he is 47-for-54 (87.0 percent) from the free-throw line. He's averaging 17.8 points and 9.8 rebounds in the CAA. Last week, Adala-Moto averaged 19 points and 13 rebounds in a pair of victories over Delaware and Drexel. Adala-Moto is third in the CAA in rebounding (8.2).
 
Block Party
Walter Foster blocked a career best seven shots against Drexel. It was the third most in a game in Towson history. As a team, the Tigers blocked 11 shots, which was two shy of tying the program record of 13 set against George Mason in 1977. Foster also blocked five shots in a game twice (Loyola & Delaware). Foster leads the CAA in blocked shots (1.4 per game).
 
Near the Top of the CAA
Through 19 games, Towson leads the CAA in scoring defense (65.0), rebounding (41.2), rebounding margin (+7.5), offensive rebounds (14.3), field goal percentage defense (39.3) and offensive rebounding percentage (.381). The Tigers are third in the CAA in blocked shots (5.1) and 3-point field goal defense (31.6).
 
Tigers Hit Offensive Glass
The Tigers pulled down a season-high19 offensive rebounds against La Salle, Loyola and Delaware. The Tigers have grabbed at least 15 offensive rebounds nine times this season.
 
Game Time Change
Towson's CAA contest on Feb. 20 against Elon has been moved to a 12 p.m. start for television purposes.
 
Scouting Charleston
Four players scored in double figures, but Elon was able to escape College of Charleston with a 65-64 decision in the final seconds of regulation on Saturday night at TD Arena. The Cougars have lost three straight games are 10-7 overall and 2-4 in the CAA. Against Elon, Charleston led 50-38 with 12:38 remaining. For the fourth-straight game, College of Charleston had only eight scholarship players on its active roster and started freshman Marquise Pointer, sophomore Cameron Johnson, junior Payton Hulsey, freshman Jarrell Brantley and freshman Nick Harris (1-3). In back-to-back games, Johnson led the team in scoring with 16 points against Elon and 19 points versus William & Mary on Jan. 14. Brantley reached double figures for the ninth time this season with 15 points and team-high seven rebounds against Elon. Hulsey dished out a career-and game-high seven assists with just one turnover versus Elon. The Cougars are second in the conference in scoring defense (65.7 ppg.) and steals per game (7.4). Charleston's two conference triumphs were on the road against James Madison and at home against Hofstra, the two teams that have defeated Towson. Charleston also defeated LSU this season.
 
Up Next
Towson visits Northeastern Saturday at 1 p.m.