KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Tenacious Towson defense was the key for the 62-55 victory in the opening game of the Adventure Bracket of the Terry's Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational over the Rhode Island Rams on Monday. The Tigers will play the Liberty Flames on Tuesday at 12 p.m.

"The big thing is we didn't turnover the ball in the final 10-12 minutes," head coach Pat Skerry said. "Dylan [Williamson] was absolutely sensational today."

KEY STATS

• Rhode Island came into the game averaging 16.8 forced turnovers per game and a +4.4 turnover margin. Towson won the turnover battle 15-12.
• Towson won the rebounding battle 35-31 and have not been out rebounded this season.
• Williamson scored 25 points to lead the Tigers. Tyler Tejada and Jack Doumbia Jr both scored 16.
• Chike Ndefo led Towson on the glass with seven rebounds.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Rams jumped out to an early four point lead and the game was held around there until 21-17 with 6:22 left.
• The Tigers held the Rams without a point for the final 6:22 of the half, entering the half up 25-21.
• Rhode Island pulled within two early in the second half before a 9-2 run spanning three minutes and 32 seconds allowed Towson to hold a nine point lead.
• The game was eventually tied up at 41 but the Tigers clawed their way out to a nine point lead, 55-46, with 4:32 remaining.
• This margin would hold steady for the seven point Towson win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Williamson, Tejada, and Doumbia Jr. were the only Tigers to score in the first half with only four field goal attempts coming from other players.
• The Tiger Trio scored 57 of the 62 Towson points on the day.
• Towson outpaced the Rams 19-8 in bench points.

UP NEXT
Towson will face Liberty on Tuesday. Tip is at noon and the game can be watched on ESPN2.