TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University women's basketball team hosted UMBC in the team's annual STEM Day game, promoting science, technology, engineering and math professions in front of local elementary schools. After trailing by 11 points at the half, the Tigers (1-8) roared back in the second to trail 61-60 with 2:38 left in the game. Back-to-back turnovers forced the Tigers to foul, and after one made free throw, Towson missed the shot to tie. The Retrievers (5-4) hit three free throws in the closing seconds to win, 65-60.
 
Khady Leye led the team with 17 points off the bench. Deja Bristol finished one point short of her season-high with 14 points.
 
The announced crowd of 3,590 is the largest in Towson women's basketball history. The second largest crowd in program history was on December 4, 2018, in a STEM Day game vs. Loyola in front of 3,423 fans.
 
Records:

• Towson (1-8, 0-0 CAA)
• UMBC (5-4, 0-0 America East)

 
Key Stats

• Towson had 26 turnovers to UMBC's 14. The Retrievers scored 24 points off turnovers to the Tigers' 11.
• UMBC shot 60.0% from the free-throw line to Towson's 52.6%.

 
How it Happened

• The game opened with a 5-5 tie through the first three minutes, with each team hitting a three and two-pointer to start.
• Two buckets from Leye, including a three, and one from Jordan Wakefield pushed the Tiger lead to 12-5.
• The Retrievers closed the quarter on a 12-2 run to take a 17-14 lead into the first quarter break.
• The Retrievers pushed their lead to nine in the opening minutes of the second quarter with a 12-6 to lead 29-20 with 5:43 left in the half.
• Bristol had two layups in the final five minutes of the half, plus a Shariah Baynes free throw, for an 11-point deficit at the half at 36-25.
• Out of the second half, UMBC pushed its advantage to 16 at 48-32 with 6:07 left in the third quarter. Foul trouble for the Retrievers sent the Tigers to the line often in the quarter, allowing them to cut into the deficit.
• The Tigers closed the quarter on a 17-7 run to pull within six with ten minutes to play. Shariah Baynes hit a buzzer-beating three from over half court to end the period trailing, 55-49.
• An India Johnston lay-in at 8:13 was the only basket scored in the first three minutes of the final period.
• Down 61-57, Wakefield's made three pulled the Black & Gold within one with 2:38 left in regulation.
• The Tigers forced two misses but surrendered the ball back to UMBC on a turnover with 1:36 on the clock.
• Off a Retriever turnover, Johnston missed a three that was rebounded by Leye. Another turnover forced a Towson foul. UMBC hit one of two from the free-throw line.
• Bristol went to the line with nine seconds on the clock but missed both free throws. Wakefield got the offensive board off the second but missed the put-back.
• The Tigers were forced to foul and UMBC hit both from the line to extend their lead to four.
• The Retrievers got a steal off Baynes and went to the line with three seconds left. They hit one of two for a final of 65-60.

 
Up Next
The Tigers are scheduled to host American on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at TU Arena. The game will start following the conclusion of the men's game at 1 p.m.