Tigers Have Been Put Down

The Towson Tigers rode into Wilmington yesterday on a nice winning streak and carrying a lot of swagger, however they left with none of falling to UNCW by 32 points. Gary Neal would have been a complete and total non-factor if not for the refs sending him to the line every time a Seahawk defender entered a 5 foot radius around him. But there will be other times to complain about the officiating, the Seahawks didn't need them last night in a solid team effort. Mitch Laue led the way even though he only played 16 minutes he managed to pour in 13 points, dish out 3 assists and pull in 3 boards. John Goldsberry tallied another solid game with 11 points and 7 rebounds. Vladimir Kuljanin also chirped in with 10 points and 9 boards.

Tim Crossin was the only other player who managed to sneak into double figures for Towson. He scored 10 to go along with Gary Neal and his 10 points. Everything went pretty smoothly during the game as the Hawks jumped out to a big lead and never looked back. A great night aside from the shameful display of some students coming up with a wonderfully clever chant for Gary Neal. I guess i don't see shouting "rapist, rapist" over and over again as not being very clever or witty. It doesn't make him feel bad or get into his head, it just makes us and our team look bad. I don't think ESPN will be running to Trask with cameras if they think that our student section is just a low rent version of Maryland's.

For more useful information on the Towson game check this out.

But I do want to thank the majority of students for coming out the electricity was great and I expect to see everyone back Saturday at 2:00. We are playing the first place George Mason Patriots and the game is being televised on Fox Sports. There has been a lot of talk about the game including by Michael Litos over at CAA Hoops:

"A Defining Moment?

So I've always wondered, outside of the obivous, why I'm so attracted to mid major college basketball.I may have a huge lead into finding the answer, thanks to Gregg Doyel. In his weekend preview of top ten games, there is nary a mid major. Which is fine.What is more telling is that the #2 on his list is West Virginia/UCLA. My very first thought is: there is no reason for this game. Who cares about an inter-conference game against two middling major schools who happen to carry a name (UCLA) and some cachet (Pittsnogle)? Is this really what America wants to see?My choice is the battle for first place in the CAA between Mason and UNCW. Far more intrigue, and far more impactful on two teams' seasons. And most likely a better college basketball atmosphere.

The Slate

George Mason at UNCW: Mason's reward for a dominating win and first place in the standings (as if that matters right now)? A trip to the beach. And not one of those really good vacation kind of trips to the beach. This is where a short bench takes its toll, and Jim Larranaga understands the true ills of the Thursday/Saturday schedule. By the way, the benches in Trask are the same length as in every other home arena. It's a figure of speech. Look for Brad Brownell and Larranaga to engage in a LoveFest, each praising the other's team after The Dub's 61-57 victory. Neither will be lying."

In other CAA news as mentioned before GMU has claimed first place in the circuit stading at 7-1. ODU and UNCW are in a tie for 2nd at 6-2. Hofstra follows in 4th at 5-2. Consult this for complete CAA standings.

See you at Trask on Saturday at 2:00 or you should see me on Fox Sports or hear me on 980 AM.