Men’s basketball arrives at its own final four

By Kyle Hobstetter on February 19, 2020

Heading into the last two weeks of the season, the members of the Towson University Men’s basketball team find themselves just two games out of first place in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). In their final four games, the Tigers will play the conference’s top two teams with an opportunity for their first regular season title since 1994.  

So, you’re telling me there’s a chance.

This week will see the Tigers play their last two home games of the year. On Thursday, the Tigers will do battle with William & Mary with the winner owning sole possession of second place in the CAA. The game tips off at 7 p.m. at SECU Arena. 

Then on Saturday at 2 p.m., the Tigers take on Elon, one of the hottest teams in the CAA. Elon has won four of its last five games.

For the first time since 2017, the Tigers are playing games with major postseason implications late in the season. With the final two games at home, head coach Pat Skerry is hoping the TU community will provide a sixth man at SECU Arena. 

“It’s an exciting time for Towson men’s basketball because you want to be playing meaningful conference games coming down the stretch,” Skerry says. “That’s what we have this week. We play a terrific William & Mary team in a battle for second place, then come back and play Elon, who are one of the hottest teams in our conference.

“We’re going to need everybody to be there to help us out at SECU Arena.” 

Here are four things that you need to know heading into this week’s slate of games.

1. Tigers playing for postseason tournament position

Along with a chance at the regular season conference title, the Tigers will also be playing for seeding in the CAA Tournament. The top four teams receive a first-round bye, and instead of playing four games to win the tournament, they would only have to win three.

The Tigers, who earlier this season had a seven-game winning streak and have won 10 of their last 12, are currently slated to earn a bye.

The Tigers finished in ninth last season and were eliminated in the first round. They have improved by 8.5 games from a season ago, the 11^th-best improvement in the country.

2. Putting hair on the line

Towson University Athletic Director Tim Leonard is ready for a raucous crowd. So much, that if there are 1,200 students in attendance for Thursday’s game, he will shave his head on the court during the game.

The long-time athletic director has made sure to let his social media followers know that he won’t be going completely bald. “Let’s not get carried away. Not bald, just shaved. It will grow back…at least it better.”

Don't let data worries keep you from Twitter.
https://t.co/vt2K81Cnf3

— Twitter (@Twitter) August 13, 2018

As with all Towson University athletic events, students, faculty and staff get in free with their TU OneCard. Tickets can be picked up at the SECU Arena box office right before the game, or at any time at the box offices at Unitas Stadium and in the University Union. 

3. Fobbs ready to make history 

Senior Brian Fobbs has made his mark on Towson University basketball. He’s the team leading scorer at 15.9 points per game and is a top 10 scorer in the CAA.

With just 11 more points, Fobbs will be just the 27th player in Towson men’s basketball history to score 1,000 points in his career. He’s done it in less than two years as a Tiger, since he started his career at Genesee Community College.

4. Giveaways! 

This weekend will be big for the basketball team and for students attending the game.

The first 250 students to Thursday night’s game will receive a free gold t-shirt. Students will also have a chance to be named “Fan of the Game,” and receive a $50 gift certificate. There will also be a contest to give away a pair of Powerbeats Pro Wireless Headphones. 

Keep up to date with Towson men’s basketball by following their Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Follow all Tiger Athletics by checking out TowsonTigers.com for rosters, schedules and information.