TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University men's basketball team transformed the final 10 minutes of the first half against Stony Brook into a Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza by exploding for 30 consecutive points during a breathtaking burst of scoring that had to be seen to be believed.
 
Towson rode the momentum of its scoring burst to a hard-earned 88-63 victory over Stony Brook in the Barclays Center Classic Friday night at SECU Arena in its home opener.
 
Towson placed five players in double figures led by Mike Morsell's 21 points and Deshaun Morman's career best 18 markers.
 
Towson's memorable run featured a little of everything: a four-point possession, tenacious defense, blocked shots, sweet passing, terrific ball movement and fantastic finishes around the rim.
 
Records
Stony Brook 0-4
Towson 3-2
 
How It Happened

• Towson ended the first half on a 32-2 run that reversed a 26-18 deficit.
• During the run of 30 straight points, six different players hit the scoring column for Towson.
• The Tigers held Stony Brook without a field goal for the final 9 minutes, 45 seconds of the first half.
• Towson led 50-28 at intermission.
• Towson's defense was strong during the run, forcing six Stony Brook turnovers.
• Stony Brook missed all 10 shots it took from the field during Towson's run.
• The Tigers placed five players in double figures for the first time this season.
• John Davis collected his second double-double and the 17th of his career with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
• Also joining the double-digit party for the Tigers were Arnaud William Adala Moto (11 points), and Alex Thomas (career-best 12 points).
• Before Towson took control, Stony Brook captured the first 10 minutes.
• Stony Brook sprinted to an 8-0 lead less than two minutes into the game.
• Stony Brook made its first four shots from the field, including three 3-pointers.
• Morsell and Morman combined for 28 first half points.
• Towson's defense held Stony Brook to 30.5 percent shooting.
• The Tigers made a season best 50.9 percent of their shots (29-for-57).

 
Inside the Numbers

• Towson turned the ball over on its first two offensive possessions and committed four turnovers in the opening 5:10.
• Morsell has reached double figures in every game this season.
• He has scored 20 or more points in four of Towson's five games this season.
• Going back to last year's season finale against Oakland, Morsell has scored 20 or more points in five of Towson's last six games.
• It's the 38th time in his career Morsell has reached double digits.
• Morman has reached double digits for the fourth time in his career.
• Adala Moto reached double figures for the 28th time in his career.
• Alex Thomas finished with a career-high 12 points, reaching double digits for the first time as a Tiger.
• Dennis Turnstall had a pair of blocked shots.
• Towson attempted a season-best 38 foul shots.
• Morman complemented his performance with a career best four steals.
• The Tigers won the rebounding battle, 48-30, and tied a season high for the third time with 17 offensive rebounds.
• Towson ended a two-game losing streak.
• Towson improved to 4-0 all-time in SECU Arena home openers.
• The Tigers are 34-13 all-time at SECU Arena.
• Stony Brook was the second NCAA Tournament and 20-win team from last season Towson faced this week.

 
Quotable
Towson head coach Pat Skerry
"It was a good performance for us. The guys defended and rebounded. I didn't realize we had a 30-0 run and anytime you can have one of those, that's always good. I am proud of Alex. He's a high character guy, works hard everyday and it was great to see him be rewarded tonight. He's going to be a great player for us and he has the right attitude all the time."
 
Morsell on the turning point of the game.
"Stony Brook came out hot in the first eight minutes. We couldn't stop them, but we focused on our defense and started getting stops. Once that happened, everything started coming together for us."
 
Morman on playing his first home game as a Towson Tiger
It was good being on the court with my teammates here for the first time. I was hyped. I came out with a lot of energy on the defensive end because that's my strong suit. I feel if I came out strong on the defensive end talking to my teammates and getting them on the same page as I am."
 
Up Next
Towson advances to the Barclays Center Classic championship and will meet either Robert Morris or Hampton Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Stony Brook will play Hampton or Robert Morris at 5 p.m.