TOWSON, Md. – Towson returns home where it will host Elon Saturday afternoon in its Annual Autism Awareness game that will be televised live by Comcast Sportsnet.
 
While every televised game is meaningful, this contest is special because of Towson head coach Pat Skerry's personal battle with autism. His five-year-old son Owen is on the autism spectrum and Skerry has been one of the national leaders in getting attention and support for autism.
 
"It's always a great feeling to be able to showcase your University on television," Skerry said. "For our game against Elon to be added to the original television package is a big deal. It demonstrates that this cause is important and worthwhile. We are thankful for everybody involved in making this happen. This is something that's not only personal and dear to me, but also something that people need to be made aware of in this country. It's [about] getting help for people. Having this game televised allows us to do that, raise awareness for autism and make an impact."
 

When	Saturday, February 20, 2016
Where	Towson, Maryland (SECU Arena)
Time	12 p.m.
Team Records	Elon (15-13 overall, 6-9 CAA); Towson (18-10, 9-6)
National Radio	Comcast Sportsnet (Rob Carlin and Charlie Woolum)
Radio	TowsonTigers.com
Series	Towson leads 3-1
Last Meeting	Towson 81, Elon 77 (February 6, 2016)

 
 
Autism Awareness
Saturday's game will be the annual Autism Awareness game.  Autism groups will be on the concourse to help raise awareness of autism.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1-in-68 American children are on the autism spectrum.

Coaches Powering Forward
This year, coaches from around the country will be raising money for autism through Coaches Powering Forward for Autism benefiting Autism Speaks.  Coaches will also be wearing the blue puzzle piece pin on their suit jackets during the games this weekend.

Blue Uniforms
With the support from Under Armour, Towson will wear light blue uniforms against Elon in support of autism.  The team will also be wearing blue shoes. The blue uniforms will be the fourth different uniform worn by Towson this season.  They have already worn white, black and gold uniforms. 
 
About Autism
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in our society. According to the Autism Speaks website, one in every 68 children (one in every 42 boys) is diagnosed on the autism spectrum. ASD affects over 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Moreover, government autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have increased 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years.


 
On the Air
Today's game can be heard live on CBS Sports Radio 1300.  Spiro Morekas will provide the play-by-play. Rob Carlin and Charlie Wollum will have the call for Comcast Sportsnet.
 
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. Elon
This will be the fifth meeting all-time between Elon and Towson. The Tigers are 3-0 in regular season meetings against the Phoenix. Elon ended Towson's season last year with a 74-69 victory in the CAA Tournament's opening round. Under Pat Skerry, Towson is 3-1 against Elon. Towson claimed an 81-77 win at Elon two weeks ago behind William Adala-Moto's 27 points. Timajh Parker-Rivera had four blocks in the win including one with five seconds remaining that perserved Towson's two-point lead. Dmitri Thompson led Elon with 21 points. 
 
Sure Shots
In its last two games, Towson has singed the nets to the tune of 53.9 shooting (69-for-128). The Tigers shot 55.6 percent against William & Mary and 52.3 percent against Hofstra. It's the first time this season, Towson has shot at least 50 percent or better in consecutive contests. Towson has shot better than 50 percent in three of its last four games. The Tigers have a 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio in their last two games. They have handed out 18 assists each in their last two games.
 
Saturday Home Shine
In its last two home Saturday games, Towson is averaging 100 points. The Tigers scored 99 against William & Mary last Saturday and 101 points against Delaware on Jan. 30. Overall, Towson has won five consecutive Saturday games.
 
Scouting Elon
Elon ranks in the top-five in the CAA in multiple offensive categories. In game averages, the Phoenix is fourth in scoring (77.6 ppg), tied for second in assists (15.6 apg), and first in three-pointers per game (9.6). This season, 35.1 percent of Elon's made baskets have come from behind the three point line. The Phoenix is shooting 34.3 percent from deep and are averaging a CAA-best 9.6 triples a game.
 
In its 81-76 win over Drexel on Thursday, Elon shot 75 percent from the field in the second half.
Tanner Samson, Brian Dawkins, and Tyler Seibring scored 36 of Elon's 49 second-half points, Elon outrebounded the Dragons 30-27 in the game. Five Phoenix players finished in double-figures, led by Samson's game-high 19 points. Dawkins tacked on 14 points, Seibring added 12, Dmitri Thompson scored 11 and Steven Santa Ana chipped in 10 points. Thompson grabbed a team-high seven rebounds.
 
Up Next
Towson plays its final regular season home game against James Madison on Thursday, Jan. 25 beginning at 8 p.m. That game will also be televised live on Comcast Sportsnet.