Towson secured a 61-52 win over Charleston at SECU Arena, fueled by a strong team performance and a standout showing from Tyler Coleman. The Tigers' forward notched 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Tyler Tejada added 11 points and Caleb Embeya chipped in with 9 points and 6 rebounds. Charleston's Connor Hickman was the game's top scorer, finishing with 20 points and 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack from Towson.
At halftime, Towson held a commanding 34-17 lead, with Coleman and Tejada combining for 17 points in the first half. Charleston struggled to find its rhythm, shooting just 25% from the field in the opening 20 minutes. However, the Cougars regrouped and mounted a strong second-half push, outscoring Towson 35-27 behind Hickman's 14 points after the break. Chol Machot and Jlynn Counter also made significant contributions for Charleston, with Machot grabbing 13 rebounds and Counter tallying 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Despite Charleston's second-half surge, Towson maintained its composure and held on for the 9-point victory. The Tigers' ability to spread the scoring and rebounding responsibilities among their players was the difference-maker. Coleman's all-around performance was particularly impressive, as he demonstrated his versatility on both ends of the court.
This non-conference matchup had implications for both teams' tournament resumes. For Towson, the win marked a Quadrant 4 victory, which, although not as valuable as a win against a top opponent, still helps to bolster their overall record. Charleston, on the other hand, suffered a Quadrant 3 loss, which may have a slightly more significant impact on their tournament chances.
As the season progresses, both teams want to build on this performance. Towson, now 12-10, will aim to carry the momentum from this win into their upcoming games, while Charleston, 13-8, will seek to bounce back from the loss and regain their footing. With the college basketball landscape constantly shifting, every game counts, and this matchup served as a reminder that balance and depth can be just as important as individual star power.
The outcome of this game reinforces the notion that Towson is a team to watch, capable of putting together a strong performance when their players contribute across the board. While Charleston's Connor Hickman stole the show with his scoring prowess, it was the collective effort from the Tigers that ultimately decided the outcome. As the tournament picture begins to take shape, Towson's win over Charleston will be an important factor in their resume, demonstrating their ability to compete against quality opponents and come out on top.