TU Basketball ready to hit the final stretch of the season

The week concludes with the annual autism awareness game on Saturday afternoon at SECU Arena.

By Kyle Hobstetter on February 1, 2017

Deshaun Morman and the rest of the Towson University men's basketball team have a huge homestand this week at SECU Arena. First the team will play Drexel on Thursday, Feb. 2. Then the team will host its annual autism awareness game against William & Mary on Saturday, Feb. 4.
Deshaun Morman and the rest of the Towson University men's basketball team have a huge homestand this week at SECU Arena. First the team will play Drexel on Thursday, Feb. 2. Then the team will host its annual autism awareness game against William & Mary on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Winners of six of their last seven games, the Towson University men’s basketball team continues to make a late-season push. With seven games left with Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) opponents, the Tigers are now looking to improve their position in the CAA standings. 

But the Saturday, Feb. 4, game against William & Mary is about more than basketball. The TU athletics department and the Tiger men’s basketball team will be hosting its annual autism awareness game.

Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. inside SECU Arena.

Initiated by TU men’s basketball coach Pat Skerry, the annual event has expanded to national prominence, with coaches across the country wearing a blue puzzle piece pin on their suit jackets during their games.

CBS SPORTS: Why one college basketball coach keeps fighting to spread autism awareness

Skerry's own seven-year old son, Owen, is on the autism spectrum, and the coach has become one of the national leaders in gaining support for autism awareness.

“It’s become much bigger than I ever thought it would be,” Skerry said. “Now it’s on a much greater level than some basketball coaches asking each other to wear something on TV.”

The men's basketball team's clinic with the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism

The game will feature autism organizations from the greater Baltimore region, family zone activities, a sensory safe room, and activities and recognitions. The team will wear blue “autism awareness” uniforms sponsored by Under Armour.

Each game-worn jersey will be for sale through the TU athletics website for $150. The jerseys go on sale Wednesday at 6 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis, and proceeds will benefit the Pathfinders for Autism organization.

TU started the final stretch on February 2, with a 104-103 double overtime win against Drexel. The win was huge as it keeps the Tigers on pace in the CAA Standings. Currently the Tigers are 14-10, with a 6-5 record in the conference. 

Colonial Athletic Association Standings 

Here is a complete schedule for the Tigers final seven games of the season, with all home games being played at SECU Arena: 

  • Saturday, Feb. 4 — vs. William and Mary. Tip off: 4 p.m. 
  • Thursday, Feb. 9 — vs. Hofstra. Tip off at 7 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Feb. 11 — at Drexel. Tip off at 4 p.m. 
  • Thursday, Feb. 16 — vs. Elon. Tip off at 7 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Feb. 18 — vs. James Madison. Tip off at 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 23 — at UNC Wilmington. Tip off at 7 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Feb. 25 — at William and Mary. Tip off at 2 p.m. 

The Tigers have four players averaging double-figures in points: Mike Morsell (13 ppg), Arnaud William Adala Moto (12.3 ppg), John Davis (11.6 ppg), and Deshaun Morman (10.5 ppg).

Towson University students receive free admission to all basketball games. For non-students, tickets are available now at TowsonTigers.com for the rest of this season’s games.