TOWSON, Md. – At precisely 5:06 p.m. Eastern Time as red-shirted security personnel mingled and chatted high above the SECU Arena floor on the concourse before Towson beat Regent 71-55 on Wednesday night, freshman Nigel Haughton, sophomore Chris Caligurian, freshman Justin Patterson and junior Greg Cross appeared on the court, sprinted to spots on the floor, rebounded for each other and consistently rained jumpers. 
 
The Towson quartet were in their sneaker-squeaking zone, oblivious to all of the pregame commotion around them of technicians meticulously moving wires across the floor, arena personnel methodically checking equipment and game day workers setting up video as the loud music of Drake and J-Cole piped throughout the arena.
 
The only noises that mattered to them was the tunes in their ears and the sweet sound of the ball consistently whistling through the nets while they worked up a sweaty lather before fans entered the building. Their tremendous work comes away from the glare of the game day spotlight. They do their most meaningful work during practices for the Tigers.
 
"This is the best we've had here with walk-ons," Towson head coach Pat Skerry said. "It's not an easy job. They are high character guys and good players. They've all helped us. They have great personality and chemistry and it's a really close knit group of guys."
 
Their journey is already a terrific story of the power of perseverance, dedication, heart and faith. They have played key roles in the success of the Towson University men's basketball team this season. Their selfless attitudes and pleasant disposition has helped the Tigers roar this season.
 
The quartet has cheered loudly, battled fiercely during practices and improved as the season has progressed. They've embraced their role and thrived.
 
"Our role is doing whatever we can do to help the team get better whether it's rebounding for other players or helping the coaches out," Caliguiran said. "Whatever they need, we just have to be there for them. I feel that this year, we're more involved with the drills and we all get a lot of playing time in practice to play against the scholarship players. We have a lot of fun giving our all and competing every single day."
 
Those practice battles have helped the Tigers stay sharp.
 
They arrive early for shooting drills. They provide an important look at Towson's opponents by performing as the scout team. This critical component has been a big part of the Tigers season. Their work hasn't gone unnoticed and has been appreciated by their teammates.
 
"I love those guys," Towson sophomore guard Jakigh Dottin said. "We don't treat them any differently. They practice hard every single day and they approach the game the same way. Those guys are in the weight room with us and they play hard."
 
Whenever they play, the other Tigers cheer loudly for them. In the win over Regent, they combined for a memorable basket as Greg Cross converted a Caliguiran pass for Towson's final points of the contest. In addition, the basket was Cross' first as a Tiger.
 
Earlier this season, Haughton energized the Tigers by scoring a team best 17 points in a win over Bryn Athyn. During that game, in addition to establishing career best scoring totals, Haughton, Patterson and Caliguiran combined to score 33 points.
 
"I feel like I've gotten better these last two years because I've been giving it my all every time I've gotten into the game," Caliguiran said. "I just feel the hard work we put in during and after practice is beginning to pay off. These guys are my second family. They are fun to be around and I just love them."