Winning is Everything

[randy]

PF Aaron Wise is still injured (sore arm, 84%, 3 days)

Feb 23, 2003: NC Wilmington (12-14, 7-10) vs #7 Towson (27-0, 17-0)

Our home fans pumped up, as we try to clear the last hurdle towards an undefeated regular season. Early jitter, as we go down 0-4. And then, we unleashed a 16-0 run. Up 16-4, 13:56. SG Cain Ward forced to have an extended rest because of 3 fouls. Our shooting has soured (even on the FT line), and UNCWI able to pull to within 2 pts. We finished strongly on defense, enabling our lead to grow again. Halftime, Up 33-24. One of our sub-par offensive performance, but our defense has been great, allowing UNCWI to only 26% FG.

AN 8-0 run to start the 2nd half, and UNCWI never recovered. I pulled out my 2 seniors (SG Cain Ward and PF Dan Morton) with about 5 mins remaining, and the crowd cheered them on.

Heading into the tournament games (conference and NCAA). Forget about the undefeated record. Now, the "real season" begins.


Final Score: NC Wilmington - 51, Towson - 71


Box Scores
[INDENT]Brown 16, 12, 0 (*)
Price 13, 1, 1
Mason 12, 7, 2
Morton 10, 8, 0
Ward 10, 1, 3
Wallace 5, 6, 1
Dement 4, 4, 4
Desmond 1, 3, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 41-35%
REB: +13
TO: -6
Pts in paint: +28
2nd chance: +13
Fast break: +12
[/INDENT]


CAA Conference Final Standings

1. Towson, 18-0 (W18)
2. James Madison, 11-7 (W1)
3. VCU, 11-7 (W3)
4. George Mason, 10-8 (L1)
5. Delaware, 9-9 (W2)
6. Old Dominion, 9-9 (L2)
7. Northeastern, 8-10 (L4)
8. NC Wilmington, 7-11 (L1)
9. Georgia St, 7-11 (L1)
10. Drexel, 6-12 (L2)
11. Hofstra, 6-12 (W1)
12. William & Mary, 6-12 (W1)

[randy]

Mar 2, 2003: (9) Georgia St (15-14, 7-11) vs (1) #7 Towson (28-0, 18-0)

Plenty of turn overs for both teams. The difference thus far is our defense, as GAST is shooting only 19% FG so far. Up 16-9, 9:59. SF Terrell Wallace converting back-to-back 3 pt shots. Up 22-12, 6:31. GAST's outside shot began falling, plus they have capitalized on our penalty situation. Halftime, Up 34-32.

Key stats / Notes (Halftime)

• Pts in the paint: GAST 2, TOW 16
• FT shooting: GAST 11-13 FT, TOW 4-6
• We lead by as many as 13, but this is a completely diffrent ball game now.
  

Start of 2nd half

I got a technical for complaining about the fouls. GAST able to pull even with the ensuing FTs. After that technical, we go on a 9-0 run. SG Cain Ward has scored 9 of our 1st 11 pts in the 2nd half. Up 45-36, 15:42. GAST responded with a run of their own also, and our fouls continue to pile up. Up 48-45, 11:42.

C Kelley Brown picked up his 4th foul. But our offense beginning to show some efficiency, converting a couple of fast break pts and SF Terrell Wallace heating up from the outside. Up 61-49, 7:56. We had a succession of defensive stops, and GAST has not scored for a long while. That should do it for us. Bench warmers will come in, some of them for the 1st time this season. Up 69-49, 3:25.


Final Score: Georgia St - 59, Towson - 78


Box Scores
[INDENT]Ward 17, 1, 4, 2 stls (*)
Mason 15, 2, 0
Wallace 13, 3, 3
Morton 12, 7, 0, 2 stls
Price 6, 4, 3, 2 blks
Desmond 6, 2, 0
Wise 4, 4, 1
Granger 3, 0, 0
Brown 2, 8, 0, fouled out
Dement 0, 1, 4, 2 stls
Roberson 0, 0, 0
Nelson 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 51-35%
REB: +2
TO: -6
Pts in paint: +30
2nd chance: +5
Fast break: +19
[/INDENT]
Notes

• GAST successful in limiting C Kelley Brown, but our perimeter players have responded to take on the scoring load on the open court. We scored 23 fast break pts today
• There was about an 8 minute stretch in the 2nd half where GAST scored only 8 pts, and that was all we needed to win this game

[randy]

Mar 3, 2003: (5) Delaware (18-12, 9-9) vs (1) #7 Towson (29-0, 18-0)

Plenty of lead exchanges at the start of the game, until lately where we had a series of defensive stops en route to a 13-0 run. Up 24-12, 10:29. DEL able to reduced our lead down to 8, but after three consecutive 3pt shots by SG Cain Ward and SF Terrell Wallace, lead ballooned quickly to 17. Up 35-18, 6:06. DEL played a good 1st half, but our offense was on a different level today. Halftime, Up 53-37.

Key stats / Notes (Halftime)

• 3pt shooting: DEL 2-5, TOW 6-11
• Turnovers: DEL 8, TOW 4

Start of 2nd half

DEL has tried to keep themselves within the game, limiting their deficit within 12 to 14 pts. But SF Terrell Wallace (19 pts) connected on two more 3pt shots, and the game slipping away from DEL. Up 70-50, 9:44. Bench warmers checked in with about 4 mins left.


Final Score: Delaware - 67, Towson - 93


Box Scores
[INDENT]Brown 21, 6, 2 (*)
Wallace 19, 6, 1, 5-6 3PT
Ward 16, 3, 5
Morton 8, 5, 2
Mason 8, 3, 0
Desmond 6, 4, 0
Dement 4, 3, 5
Wise 4, 2, 0
Toxey 3, 0, 0
Price 2, 0, 1, 2 stls
Nelson 2, 0, 0
Granger 0, 0, 2
Roberson 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 52-49%
REB: +10
TO: -8
Pts in paint: +12
2nd chance: +3
Fast break: +4
[/INDENT]
Notes

• Our outside shooting was effective against DEL's 3-2 zone

[randy]

Mar 4, 2003: (7) Northeastern (14-16, 8-10) vs (1) #7 Towson (30-0, 18-0)

Just when we think we're about to blow this game away, NORTH has come up with big shots, and they are still within striking distance. Up 16-9, 11:20. NORTH got into penalty early; FT shooting and our continued dominance on the boards has practically put this game within reach. Halftime, Up 48-29.

Key stats / Notes (Halftime)

• FT shooting: NORTH 4-6, TOW 11-15
• Rebounds: NORTH 5, TOW 18

Start of 2nd half

As much as possible, I will limit my key players' playing time in the 2nd half, to avoid any risk of injury heading in to the NCAA tournament. The entire team did enough to even increase our lead slightly. No one played more than 17 mins.

Back-to-back CAA Tournament Champions!!!


Final Score: Northeastern - 54, Towson - 75


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wallace 10, 1, 1
Brown 9, 2, 0
Morton 8, 9, 0
Wise 8, 3, 1
Ward 8, 0, 2, 4 stls (*)
Nelson 6, 2, 0
Desmond 5, 3, 0
Mason 5, 2, 1
Roberson 5, 2, 1
Dement 4, 3, 2
Price 2, 2, 2
Toxey 2, 1, 2
Barber 2, 1, 0
Granger 1, 2, 1
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 52-45%
REB: +13
TO: -4
Pts in paint: +22
2nd chance: +9
Fast break: +8
[/INDENT]
Notes

• All 14 players scored, which makes this title even more special as everybody contributed

[randy]

Rank (Media/Coaches): #5/#7; RPI: #4

We're in the West Regionals (Phoenix)

1st round matchup:
(3) #5 Towson vs (14) Texas-Arlington

Teams in the West Regionals

• (1) #4 Iowa - 2 National titles, 5 Final Fours
• (2) #8 Memphis - 2 National title, 3 Final Fours
• (3) #5 Towson
• (4) #15 St John's - 6 Final Fours
• (5) #13 Arkansas-Little Rock
• (6) Auburn - 2 Final Fours
• (7) Duke - 1 National title, 4 Final Fours
• (8) Ohio St
• (9) Clemson
• (10) Stanford - 1 National title, 6 Final Fours
• (11) North Carolina St - 2 National titles, 3 Final Fours
• (12) Minnesota - 4 Final Fours
• (13) Lafayette
• (14) Texas-Arlington
• (15) NC-Asheville
• (16) Play-In

Other Ranked Teams

East

• (1) #1 Georgia
• (2) #6 Georgia Tech
• (3) #12 Villanova
• (4) #16 Kentucky
• (5) #18 Weber St
• (6) #10 UNLV
• (7) #22 Toledo

Midwest

• (1) #3 Seton Hall
• (2) #14 LSU
• (3) #11 New Mexico
• (4) #21 Pittsburgh
• (5) #20 Fordham
• (6) #24 Arizona
• (8) #25 Illinois-Chicago

South

• (1) #2 Kansas
• (2) #7 Temple
• (3) #9 Gonzaga
• (4) #17 Brigham Young
• (5) #19 Bradley
• (6) #23 Houston

On Probation

• (none)

CAA teams appearing on post-season tournaments

NCAA

• West: (14) Texas-Arlington vs (3) #5 Towson

NIT

• Midwest: (7) VCU vs (2) Arkansas
• Midwest: (5) San Jose St vs (4) James Madison

CBI

• East: (8) Stetson vs (1) Delaware

[randy]

Mar 17, 2003: (14) Texas-Arlington (18-11, 10-4) vs (3) #5 Towson (31-0, 18-0)

Scouting Report

1. Primary defense: 1-3-1 zone
2. Offense focus: Balanced
3. Key players:
   
   • Sr PG Jameel McQuay (11.9 ppg, 3.1 apg, 51% 3PT)
   • Sr C Jimmy Myles (9.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 53% FG)
4. Strengths:
   
   • Experience: Their starters include 4 seniors and 1 junior; 6th man is also a senior
   • Defense: 61.6 opp ppg (#1 Southland, #47 Nat'l), 16.4 topg (#1 Southland, #40 Nat'l)
   • 3PT shooting: 41.2% 3PT (#1 Southland, #3 Nat'l)
5. Weaknesses:
   
   • Rebounding: 31.1 rpg (#4 Southland, #148 Nat'l)
6. How they got here:
   
   • Finished 2nd Southland; Won Conference Tournament

Strategies

1. We need to keep an eye on their outside shooting (3rd best in the nation in 3P%); we may have to use m2m defense exclusively in case they begin to wax hot from the outside

Start of 1st half

Good start for SG Cain Ward, 9 pts. Up 13-6, 15:51. We're shooting 69% FG. Up 21-13, 11:13. TXAR beginning to miss their shots, as we continue to pile in the pts and open up a big lead. Up 29-13, 7:58. Aside from their poor shooting, TXAR's numerous turn overs also compounded their offensive problems. Halftime, Up 41-17.

Key stats / Notes (Halftime)

• FG shooting: TXAR 27%, TOW 52%
• Turn overs: TXAR 10, TOW 5
• Our passing has been very good in the 1st half, 13 asts on 17 FGMs

Start of 2nd half

We showed some signs of complacency early on, as we committed 3 turn overs. Up 47-26, 15:51. We tightened up our defense, and TXAR started to throw the ball again. Up 59-26, 10:52. Lead is safe enough. I'll be resting my key players; tougher games ahead


Final Score: Texas-Arlington - 46, Towson - 79


Box Scores
[INDENT]Brown 19, 9, 0, 9-12 FG (*)
Ward 15, 4, 4
Mason 10, 8, 1, 2 stls
Desmond 10, 3, 1
Price 10, 1, 2
Dement 6, 3, 7
Wise 6, 3, 0
Wallace 3, 3, 2
Morton 0, 3, 0
Roberson 0, 2, 2
Nelson 0, 2, 0
Granger 0, 1, 1
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 51-38%
REB: +24
TO: -5
Pts in paint: +28
2nd chance: +10
Fast break: +10
[/INDENT]
Notes

• The fact that we won this game primarily because of our defense is a very good sign. We expect defense-oriented games in the later rounds

[randy]

Mar 17, 2003: (6) Auburn (18-13, 8-8) vs (3) #5 Towson (32-0, 18-0)

Scouting Report

1. Primary defense: 2-3 zone
2. Offense focus: Balanced (slow)
3. Key players:
   
   • So C Ryan Austin (22.1 ppg, 14.2 rpg, SEC POY and DPOY, #4 class rank)
4. Strengths:
   
   • Rebounding: 34.9 rpg (#2 SEC, #26 Nat'l)
   • Defense: 57.0 ppg (#4 SEC, #9 Nat'l)
5. Weaknesses:
   
   • Shooting: 60.6 ppg (#9 SEC, #323 Nat'l), 41.2% FG (#11 SEC, #314 Nat'l), 31.1% 3PT (#12 SEC, #306 Nat'l)
   • Other than Austin, no other player averages in double figures
6. How they got here:
   
   • Finished 2nd SEC West and (3)-seed; Lost Conference Tournament Semi-Final
   • (Round 64)Def North Carolina St, 71-52 (Austin 34 pts, 16 rebs)

Strategies

1. It's clear what we need to do. Use 2-3 zone to make life difficult for Austin, and force Auburn to shoot from the outside

Start of 1st half

AUB has hit 2-3 3PT. Down 5-8, 15:45. We got on a 9-0 run before AUB hits their 3rd 3pt shot of the game. Not worried about AUB's sudden flawless marksmanship; we're following our game plan as AUB's C Ryan Austin has yet to attempt a single FG, and we're winning the rebounding battle. Up 14-11, 11:29. Our outside shooting still off, 35% FG. But we have forced AUB to 9 turn overs already, and that has kept us in the lead. Up 18-12, 7:40. We got off to another run, as AUB's offense was at a complete loss. We lead by as many as 18, breaking AUB's press at least twice, and SF Mike Mason hitting 3 jumpers. However, AUB suddenly exploded with a 9-0 run towards the end of the 1st half. Halftime, Up 30-23.

Key stats / Notes (Halftime)

• Off rebounds: AUB 0, TOW 8
• Turn overs: AUB 11, TOW 6
• As a result, we were +16 FGAs in the 1st half. We couldn't hit a shot during the last 3 mins of the 1st half, which enabled AUB to come back. But we just need to continue what we are doing. AUB's C Ryan Austin only with 3 pts, 1-4 FG.

Start of 2nd half

AUB starting to miss their shots again. Although SG Cain Ward is our leading scorer (10 pts), he has not shot well (4-15 FG) and has committed 5 turn overs; will pull Ward to the bench for a few minutes so he can regroup. Up 34-25, 15:37. 7 consecutive pts by SF Terrell Wallace (9 pts) enough to give us a double-digit advantage. Up 43-29, 11:20.

Back-to-back 3 pt shots by PG Udonis Dement and SG Cain Ward, gave us the biggest lead of the game. We should be on our way to the Sweet 16 now. Up 51-29, 8:32. I pulled out my key players with 4 minutes remaining


Final Score: Auburn - 49, Towson - 66


Box Scores
[INDENT]Mason 18, 3, 0, 4 tos, 9-12 FG
Ward 16, 4, 2, 2 stls, 5 tos (*)
Wallace 9, 2, 0
Brown 8, 8, 0
Dement 5, 6, 7
Morton 4, 6, 2
Wise 2, 3, 0
Desmond 2, 2, 0
Price 2, 1, 1
Roberson 0, 0, 1
Nelson 0, 0, 1
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 44-41%
REB: +15
TO: -8
Pts in paint: +20
2nd chance: +15
Fast break: +11
[/INDENT]
Notes

• Our perimeter players did the job on offense, but our big men dictated the game on defense, allowing AUB to score only 6 pts in the paint and zero 2nd chance pts. AUB's star C Ryan Austin finishing with a measly 7 pts (15 pts below his average), 7 rebs, 2-12 FG; Austin played 40 mins
• SF Mike Mason, primarily a slasher, was our most consistent outside shooter today

[randy]

Mar 17, 2003: (3) #5 Towson (33-0, 18-0) @ (2) #8 Memphis (29-7, 14-4)

Scouting Report

1. Primary defense: M2M
2. Offense focus: Balanced (fast)
3. Key players:
   
   • Sr C Anthony Anderson (15.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 56% FG)
   • Sr PG Gareth Givens (11.9 ppg, 5.2 apg, 2-time All-Conf, #45 class rank)
   • Sr(R) PF Mike Moran (8.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, All-Conf)
4. Strengths:
   
   • Experience: 4 seniors and 1 junior in starting lineup
   • Off Rebounding: 33.5 OR% (#1 CUSA, #7 Nat'l)
   • They force a lot of turn overs: 17.3 topg (#1 CUSA, #13 Nat'l)
   • Ball handling: 12.9 topg (#2 CUSA, #28 Nat'l)
5. Weaknesses:
   
   • Outside shooting: 29.1% 3PT (#10 CUSA, #334 Nat'l)
6. How they got here:
   
   • Finished 2nd CUSA; Won Conference Tournament
   • (Round 64) Def NC Asheville, 79-52 (Anderson 23 pts, 10 rebs)
   • (Round 32) Def Stanford, 88-72 (Anderson 26 pts, 10 rebs)

Strategies

1. C Anthony Anderson having a good tournament so far; we need to liit him.
2. Force Memphis to shoot from 3; they're a combined 3-11 3PT in two tournament games they have played
3. If we can't limit our turn overs, we need to play good transition defense. Memphis has averaged 15 fast break pts per game during the two tournament games

Start of 1st half

Good shooting start for MEM, 8-10 FG; including their C Anthony Anderson who made 3 jump shots already. Down 8-17, 13:53. SF Terrell Wallace (7 pts) finding his range from the outside, and C Kelley Brown starting to get to work inside. More importantly, we're getting some stops. Down 21-24, 8:10. 5 turn overs in 5 mins, and we're down by 9 once again. Down 25-34, 3:38. A converted 3pt play by PF Aaron Wise, and a jumper by PG Udonis Dement pulled us to within 4. MEM hit a basket at the buzzer. Halftime, Down 30-36.

Key stats / Notes (Halftime)

• Turn overs: TOW 8, MEM 4
• Fast break pts: TOW 4, MEM 8
• Despite MEM's 53% FG, it is our turn overs leading to MEM's fast break pts that makes up the difference. We're still in this; we just need to keep our head tightly screwed

Start of 2nd half

We cut it down to 4 again. But once again, all those hard work in coming back went to waste, as we committed 4 more turn overs. SG Cain Ward is struggling, 1-5 FG, 6 turn overs. Ward is without a doubt our best player, but it leaves with no choice now but to pull him out of the floor for a while. Down 35-43, 15:23.

We made a couple of defensive stops. SF Terrell Wallace hits a 3, and C Kelley Brown gets an inside basket. We're within 3 pts. MEM missed again, but C Anthony Anderson grabbing an offensive rebound; MEM hits a 3 afterwards. That's a wasted opportunity. A couple of plays later, MEM got another off rebound. I wasn't happy with the team during the time out. Down 42-48, 11:59.

After the timeout, SF Terrell Wallace drains his 3rd triple of the game. SF After a stop, Mike Mason scores on a string drive. We're down just by 1! A series unsuccessful possessions by each team. We have the ball, and dumped it to C Kelley Brown on the low post. Brown scores and we take the upper hand for the 1st time in this game. Up 49-48, 9:56.

C Kelley Brown picked up his 3rd foul. Still almost 10 mins left; it's a tough decision but it leaves with no choice but to take Brown (9 pts) out. With SF Terrel Wallace (17 pts) resting on the bench, I brought back SG Cain Ward

We got called on 3 successive fouls on the last off possession by MEM. I wasn't very happy, but I kept my emotions in check. MEM splits to tie the game. On our next play, SG Cain Ward, who hasn't played a good game up to this point, takes a shot from beyond and nails a triple! We go up by 3. A miss by MEM. And then PF Dan Morton called for traveling; our 14th turn over. Damn! MEM miss, and we missed us as well, prior to the media timeout. Up 52-49, 7:54.

Another miss by MEM; they have not converted a FG for almost 5 mins now. I bring back C Kelley Brown (3 fouls). SF Mike mason drives hard and got hacked. 2 FTs. Mason hits both FTs. Up 5. I will take out Brown on defense, on every opportunity I get, to prevent him from getting his 4th. MEM turns the ball over; their 7th turn over. MEM blocks our shot and gets the ball back. Another MEM turn over. SG Cain Ward drains another 3! What a time for Ward to get hot. Up 57-49, 5:51.

MEM finally hits a FG in a long while. Up 6. SG Cain Ward is feeling. He puts a shot, missed but got fouled. 2 FTs; hits both. Since I brought him back on the floor a little over 4 mins ago, Ward has scored 8 pts. Lead back to 8. I bring back leading scorer SF Terrell Wallace (17 pts). MEM scores a 3pt shot, and they are within 5. PF Dan Morton answers with an inside basket. Up 7. SG Cain Ward gets a steal. We go back to PF Dan Morton, but he missed this time. But MEM turns the ball over yet again. Up 61-54, 4:07.

MEM gets a steal, and they quickly scored on the fast break. Up 5. On our next possession, SF Terrel Wallace hits a running jumper; Wallace has been huge today, 19 pts. Up 7. MEM trying to go the inside, but our interior prevented them to score. We get the ball back, but PG Doug Price missed on his drive attempt. On MEM possession, C Kelley Brown picks off a pass. Kelley throws an outlet pass to PG Doug Price on the break. Price scores on a layup. MEM answers back with a medium-range jumper. I call a timeout Up 65-58, 2:16.

We need to stay aggressive on both ends of the floor, as this game is far from over. SG Cain Ward gets the ball. Ward shoots from deep, and scores another 3pt shot! What a turn around for Ward (13 pts). Up 68-58, 2:11.

We'll go m2m defense. MEM not giving up, as they scored on their end. Up 68-60, 1:53.

SG Cain Ward gets the ball on the post. He uses his quickness to take on his defender, goes inside, scored on a slam dunk plus a foul! Ward hits the bonus FT. We're almost there. Up 71-60, 1:39.

We got called for a foul. MEM's C Anthony Anderson to shoot 2 FTs. Anderson splits, but MEM got another off rebound. MEM called for traveling. That should do it. We'll slow down the game and waste some clock

On to the Elite 8!!!


Final Score: Towson - 71, Memphis - 63


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wallace 19, 5, 3
Ward 16, 2, 4, 4 stls, 6 tos (*)
Morton 10, 6, 0
Brown 9, 5, 2, 2 stls
Mason 8, 5, 0
Price 4, 0, 4
Wise 3, 6, 0
Desmond 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 46-43%
REB: +3
TO: -3
Pts in paint: +10
2nd chance: +3
Fast break: -8
[/INDENT]
Notes

• During the first 30 mins of the, SG Cain Ward was a non-factor and perhaps some are thinking if he is ever to go back to the floor again in this game. 10 mins of game time after, he was awarded the player of the game. Talk about "thinking of trading him one moment, and then would like to cook breakfast for him the next morning" (ok, Greg Popovich said that first)
• Great job by the players for being resilient, even for a time it seems our strategy is not working. But we've stucked with our game plan, and fortunate enough for our best player to find the right time to take matters into his own hands

[randy]

SG Cain Ward played his freshman year at Iowa. On his sophomore year, he got ineligible, and decided to transfer the season after. We picked him up, started resuming his college career last season and was named All-American. He was even better this year; in our last game, he carried us here to the Elite 8.

As fate would put it, Ward now faces his old team for a ticket to the Final Four

Bad news! C Kelley Brown is injured and is unavailable today (sore wrist, 82%, 3 days)

Mar 26, 2003: (3) #5 Towson (34-0, 18-0) @ (1) #4 Iowa (31-3, 16-2)

Scouting Report

1. Primary defense: 1-3-1 zone
2. Offense focus: Inside
3. Key players:
   
   • So SG Tim Barnes (18.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, All-Conf, #17 class rank)
   • Jr SF Derek Oneil (13.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.7 spg, All-Conf, #27 class rank)
   • Fr PG Larry Kempe10.6 ppg, 3.5 apg, #15 class rank)
   • Sr SG (6th man) Todd Gipson (7.2 ppg)
4. Strengths:
   
   • Offense: 71.4 ppg (#1 Big 10, #38 Nat'l), 78.7 FT% (#1 Big 10, #9 Nat'l)
   • Ball handling: 12.0 topg (#1 Big 10, #5 Nat'l)
   • Defense: 9.7 spg (#1 Big 10, #4 Nat'l), 18.2 opp topg (#1 Big 10, #4 Nat'l)
5. Weaknesses:
   
   • They don't go to the line often: 14.1 FTApg (#301 Nat'l); but they do convert their FTs at a high clip
6. How they got here:
   
   • Finished 1st Big 10; Lost Conference Tournament Finals
   • (Round 64) Def Long Island, 87-54 (Barnes 26 pts, Oneil 21 pts)
   • (Round 32) Def Ohio State 73-53 (Barnes 18 pts; Ohio St 29% FG)
   • (Sweet 16) Def #13 Arkansas-Little Rock, 71-57 (Barnes 20 pts; UALR 23 tos)

Strategies

1. C Kelley Brown's absence puts us on a severe disadvantage because we originally plan to dump the ball to our big men as often as possible, as Iowa's big men are average at best. We have to go to a more balanced offense, and hope our perimeter players woke on the right side of the bed today. It's an unfortunate injury, but our other players need to step up.
2. Iowa has too many good perimeter players. We'll go m2m defense during the 1st half, If it exposes us to give too many off rebounds for Iowa, we'll adjust
3. We absolutely must take care of the ball. Iowa's opponents in their 3 tournament games averaged almost 20 turn overs per game

Start of 1st half

IOWA's SG Tim Barnes scoring their 1st 7 pts; we will double team on Barnes from now on. Up 10-7, 15:53. We've been called for at least 4 shooting fouls already, and IOWA has capitalized on the FT line. C Herbert Desmond giving us quality minutes, 6 pts off the bench; SG Cain Ward leads with 7 pts. Down 18-20, 11:31.

SF Terrell Wallace hitting a couple of jumpers to give s the lead. Still a lot of fouls being called on us, and we're in the penalty already. Up 28-25, 6:48. I complained profusely about the fouls being called on us, and the refs gave me a warning. We went to a slightly smaller, but quicker lineup, having 2 SFs playing the 3/4 spots. We're playing good m2m defense so far, as IOWA missing a lot of shots and we're getting a few blocks as well. Up 32-27, 1:17. SF Terell Wallace (10 pts) converted a 3pt play opportunity, and we extended our lead to 8. After another IOWA miss, Wallace sinks his 2nd triple of the game. IOWA still can't buy a basket. On the last play of the 1st half, SG Cain Ward sinks a 3 as the buzzer sounded. What a finish! Halftime, Up 41-27.

Key stats / Notes (Halftime)

• FG shooting: TOW 51%, IOWA 26%
• Blocks: TOW 6, IOWA 1
• The finish was magnificent, but the main difference was our outstanding individual defense. After the double-team defensive adjustment on IOWA's SG Tim Barnes (who started 3-3 FG, 7 pts), he was shut down to 0-6 FG, zero pts
• Despite our 8 turn overs, IOWA only had 2 fast break pts
• The worst thing we can is to be complacent. IOWA is a (1) seed for a reason, and they have the talent to erase a 14 pt deficit

Start of 2nd half

We're hitting enough shots to keep IOWA at bay, and we even increased our lead by scoring on the fast break. IOWA's SG Tim Barnes still struggling, 0-8 since we double team him. Up 50-31, 15:38. C Herbert Desmond scored his 5th FG of the game plus a foul. The seldom used Desmond (10 pts) has provided a great lift. Even though Desmond missed his bonus FT, we get the offensive rebound, and SG Cain Ward converts a basket. Ward has 16 pts against his former team. Our fans celebrating now. Not yet, I say to myself; I can't relax yet. Up 59-36, 11:54.

With their struggling SG Tim Barnes sitting on the bench, the rest of the IOWA team scored 5 straight pts. But before IOWA fans can hope that this would be the start of a rally, SG Cain Ward broke the hearts of Hawkeye fans as he hit his 2nd 3pt shot of the game. We followed it up with a steal and a fast break layup by PG Doug Price. Up 66-43, 7:53.

IOWA had a slew of turn overs and I have a sense they have already given up on this game. SF Terrell Wallace getting another 3pt shot to fall to bring our lead up to 28, and the feeling of getting this team to the Final Four is beginning to sink in. I will now bring in our bench warmers.


Final Score: Towson - 79, Iowa - 55


Box Scores
[INDENT]Ward 19, 7, 6, 2 blks, 5 tos (*)
Wallace 19, 3, 1, 4-7 3PT
Desmond 14, 5, 0
Morton 7, 5, 1, 3 blks
Mason 6, 2, 3
Wise 6, 6, 0
Price 6, 3, 1
Nelson 2, 2, 0
Dement 0, 5, 4, 2 blks, 7 tos
Roberson 0, 1, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 54-32%
REB: +10
TO: Even
Pts in paint: +20
2nd chance: Even
Fast break: +7
[/INDENT]
Notes

• We had 10 blks, 5 steals, and countless of disrupted shots
• We needed someone to step up and fill the void of this year;s All-American C Kelley Brown; and C Herbert Desmond did just that getting important baskets early in the game when IOWA was still shooting well and we needed to just keep the game close. SG Cain Ward contributed in all aspects of the game

[randy]

Two years ago, we lost to Gonzaga in the Sweet 16.

http://www.wolverinestudios.com/forum/showpost.php?p=155603&postcount=41

We get the chance to even the score, and this time the stakes are higher as the winner gets the chance to play for the national championship. Gonzaga still has some players that we played against, including one of the country's top big man, SR C Victor Prince

Apr 1, 2003: (3) #5 Towson (35-0, 18-0) @ (3) #9 Gonzaga (27-6, 12-4)

Scouting Report

1. Primary defense: M2M
2. Offense focus: Balanced (fast)
3. Key players:
   
   • Sr C Victor Prince (16.4 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2.8 bpg, 52% FG, Conf POY, 3-time Conf DPOY, 3-time All-Conf, #35 class rank)
   • So SG Shannon Clyburn (18.4 ppg, All-Conf, #23 class rank)
4. Strengths:
   
   • Rebounding: 35.1 rpg (#2 WCC, #22 Nat'l)
   • Offense: 73.3 ppg (#1 WCC, #16 Nat'l), 46.0% FG (#2 WCC, #44 Nat'l)
   • Ball handling: 13.3 topg (#1 WCC, #53 Nat'l)
5. Weaknesses:
   
   • 3PT shooting: 35.0% 3PT (#4 WCC, #155 Nat'l)
6. How they got here:
   
   • Finished 2nd WCC; Lost Conference Tournament Semi Finals
   • (Round 64) Def Yale, 76-47 (Clyburn 41 pts, 13-22 3PT)
   • (Round 32) Def Oregon, 69-60 (Prince 15 pts, 11 rebs)
   • (Sweet 16) Def #7 Temple, 81-78 (Clyburn 29 pts, 6-11 3PT)
   • (Elite 8) Def #17 Brigham Young, 85-78 (Clyburn 22 pts; Prince 19 pts, 12 rebs)

Strategies

1. It's a matter of "picking your poison". Do we focus on stopping their inside game focusing on Prince, or try to limit the production of Clyburn. Clyburn has been on a tear during this year's tournament. Clyburn's lowest output was against Oregon during Round 2, where he struggled for 3-18 FG (0-2 3PT). We will then try to hound Clyburn, double team him every time, and force him to give up the ball.
2. We will be forced to alter our defensive sequence should we fail to stop Prince inside.
3. On offense, we'll start with a favor inside focus, with the hopes of getting Prince into foul trouble
4. Limiting our turn overs and playing good transition becomes very important gain. Gonzaga might have lost their game against Oregon if not for the 20 fast break pts they scored (and they won by only 9). Temple did a better job limiting Gonzaga to only 4 fast break pts; the reason why Gonzaga still won is because Clyburn had a big game. In summary, if we can stop Clyburn at all cost, and prevent Gonzaga from running the break, we'll have a chance

Start of 1st half

We're doing a good job defensive on ZAGA's SG Shannon Clyburn, as he is clearly bothered by our constant double team, 0-3 FG, 2 tos. On offense, SF Mike Mason (6 pts) had 2 successful scoring, and a fast break finish. Up 8-3, 15:29. Clyburn however, began to heat up converting 3 straight outside shots including two 3s; all of those shots were in fron t of a double team. Down 12-13, 11:10.

Our shots not falling, 0-5 3PT. SF Terrell Wallace is scoreless and SG Cain Ward only with 2 pts. Despite the freeze in our offense, we did not allow ZAGA to have big lead. During the timeout, I voiced out my concern to PG Doug Price, as he has committed 3 passing errors already. Down 14-16, 7:33.

SG Cain Ward buried his 1st triple of the game, and we reclaimed the lead. Both teams exchanging scores since, not wanting the other make a big run. Ward picked up his 3rd foul, and I have no choice but to put him in the bench for the rest of the 1st half. I had enough of PG Doug Price, as he committed his 4th turn over, the last one giving GONZ an easy basket on the break; I'll be using 3rd string PG Nick Granger as the backup PG for PG Udonis Dement. Down 22-25, 2:27. SF Mike Mason (13 pts) has done a good job keeping us in the game, always trying to take it strong to the hoop. SF Terrell Wallace finally got his 1st FG to fall, a 3 pointer, which was enough to tie the game. Halftime, Tied at 31.

Key stats / Notes (Halftime)

• Pts in paint: TOW 14, ZAGA 10
• FT shooting: TOW 3-3, ZAGA 7-10
• The rest of the stats are almost dead even, which explains the tied score at the end of the 1st half
• ZAGA taking advantage of their dual options on offense. Since SG Shannon Clyburn is struggling, they went to C Victor Prince (11 pts) to carry their offense.
• Not only SF Mike Mason was our most consistent scorer (13 pts, 5-8 FG), he is also the most effective defender against ZAGA's SG Shannon Clyburn. Clyburn went scoreless when Mason is guarding him, and exploded with 8 when other defenders take their turn. Mason will definitely have to play more minutes in the 2nd half
• The performances of our PGs so far: PG Udonis Dement 11 mins, 5 asts, 0 tos; PG Doug Price 6 mins, 0 asts, 4 tos. Therefore, a key factor in the 2nd half would be how will I be able to maximize the playing time of both Dement and Mason

Start of 2nd half

No team has scored for more than 2 minutes. SG Cain Ward picked up his 4th foul; a very bad gamble on my part. ZAGA's Victor Prince scored an inside basket, and then their PF Erwin Monroe getting 2 pts on an off rebound put back. Our only FG during the 1st 5 mins of play is a jumper by SF Terrel Wallace, who is playing primarily on the 2 due to the absence of Ward (on the bench, 4 fouls). ZAGA has intensified their defense, adding 3 more blocks (total of 7 in the game). Down 33-35, 14:58.

SF Terrell Wallace (8 pts) hits his 2nd 3pt shot of the game, and just like that, we go up by 1. A couple of stops later, PF Aaron Wise (6 pts) scoring inside. Up 3. Backup PG Nick Granger (5'5") blocks the shot of ZAGA's PG Steve Latham (6'3"); ZAGA resets their play and C Victor Prince (13 pts) scoring again. Up 1. We miss a shot. On ZAGA's next possession, our double team was late on SG Shannon Clyburn, and Clyburn buries a 3pt shot (his 3rd of the game). A lapse in defense o our part. Down 2. SF Terrel Wallace answers back with a jumper. Tied game. ZAGA went back to Clyburn; this time the double team is there and Clyburn (11 pts, 4-20 FG) missed his shot. On our next play, Wallace drives to the basket; counted plus a foul! Wallace missed the bonus FT. Up 42-40, 10:57.

ZAGA's C Victor Prince taking a rest on the bench. With the absence of Prince, we crashed the offensive board 3 times on our possession; 4 attempts, can't convert. After a ZAGA turn over, our leading scorer SF Mike Mason (15 pts) scores his 1st basket of the 2nd half. Up 4. A steal by Mason on the other end; pass was intended to ZAGA's SG Shannon Clyburn. Mason on the break and takes it all the way for a slam. Up 6. Clyburn gets the pass on ZAGA's next possession, but we continue to hound him on our double team. Clyburn forced to pass, and SF Terrell Wallace picks off the pass. Another fast break, and Wallace's finishes it off! Up 48-40, 9:11.

Clyburn attempts a shot. Missed again but the refs called a foul. Clyburn can only come up with a split. Up 7. We give it to Wallace on the next possession. We want to take advantage that ZAGA doesn't have C Victor Prince on the floor. Wallace with a strong drive, leaves his man, and slam dunk! ZAGA has seen enough, and they call a timeout. Up 50-41, 8:50. Game was tied at 40 less than 4 mins ago, and we made this run with our our best player SG Cain Ward sitting on the bench with 4 fouls

With SG Shannon Clyburn shackled by our defense, ZAGA can't find anyone to score. The miss again. It's a puzzle why their C Victor Prince is still on the bench; Prince only has 1 foul. On our next possession, SF Terrell Wallace able to pick up the 3rd foul on Clyburn while attempting a shot. Clyburn heads to the bench, and it also gives me time to rest his defender, SF Mike Mason. Wallace splits his charities. Up 10. We got called for a foul. ZAGA splits as well. Up 9. Teams traded misses. On our next play, C Herbert Desmond shoots an inside basket, got it to fall, plus a foul! Desmond missed the FT. Up 53-42, 7:26. ZAGA's C Victor Prince (15 pts, 10 rebs) back in the game.

ZAGA clearly going to C Victor Prince on every opportunity. We have shifted our double team on him, but Prince was able to fist 2 successive fouls on C Herbert Desmond. We're in the penalty already. Prince splits his FTs. Up 10. SF Terrell Wallace hits a tough corner shot in traffic. Up 12. ZAGA's backup SG answers with an outside shot. Up 10. SF Terrell Wallace wants the ball; he knows he is feeling it. Wallace gets the ball, outs up a 3 pt shot, and it's good! Wallace is in the zone, 22 pts. Up 58-45, 6:25.

We were called for a foul again. ZAGA hits both. Up 11. We miss a 3, but ZAGA turns the ball over on their next possession. ZAGA bringing back SG Shannon Clyburn. I bring back SF Mike Mason, and we'll shift back our defensive focus on Clyburn. I'll give SF Terrell Wallace a short breather and brought back SG Cain Ward (5 pts, 4 fouls). Up 58-47, 5:29.

We turn it over. ZAGA missed. On our next play, C Kelley able Brown able to challenge the defense of ZAGA's C Victor Prince, and Brown scores. Up 13 again. ZAGA answers back with a score on the drive. On our end, we opted to go back to Brown again. Brown makes his move inside; ZAGA made a switch, but Brown able to drop off a pass to PF Aaron Wise, and Wise scores! Great interior passing by Brown. Up 62-49, 4:08.

No break being given to ZAGA's SG Shannon Clyburn, as 2 bodies are always in front of him. Clyburn passed to Prince, but Prince missed his shot from the low post. We get the ball. Out of nowhere, SG Cain Ward puts up a 3 pt shot, and hit nothing but the bottom of the net! And we are up by 16! But don't count out ZAGA yet, as Clyburn hits a tough 3 pt shot, with 2 pairs of hands in front of his face. Up 65-52, 3:21.

We'll try slow down the game. PG Udonis Dement committed his 1st turn over of the game. ZAGA able to isolate SG Shannon Clyburn again, ans he is facing on 1 defender for the moment. That's all Clyburn needed as he drained another 3 pt shot. Clyburn with 5 3s, 18 pts. I call a timeout. Up 65-55, 2:33.

We just need to settle down. ZAGA called for a foul; only their 6th team foul. More importantly, shot clock reset to 30. SG Cain Ward shoots (too early in the shot clock!) but fortunately, PF Aaron Wise with the off rebound. Kill some clock guys! SF Mike Mason drives. Miss gain. ZAGA gets the ball. ZAGA going to SG Shannon Clyburn again. Clyburn is inside the arc; he shoots over the double team, and missed this time. We secure the rebound. Timeout. Up 65-55, 1:39.

Lowest off freedom, and slowest pace. No need to shoot early! ZAGA fouls. Penalty. PG Udonis Dement hits both FTs. Up 12. ZAGA's SG Shannon Clyburn buries another 3 pt shot; the Bulldogs refuse to quit. Up 67-58, 1:04. Another ZAGA foul. Dement splits his FTs. Up 10. ZAGA can't get it to Clyburn, and their PF forces a 3. They miss. We get the rebound and another foul by ZAGA; it's the 5th foul of Clyburn. SG Cain Ward nails both FTs. Up 70-58, 0:47. That should do it

We're playing for a the national title, and a possible undefeated season!


Final Score: Towson - 70, Gonzaga - 61


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wallace 22, 6, 1, 3 stls (*)
Mason 17, 3, 0
Ward 10, 5, 3
Wise 8, 6, 0
Brown 6, 7, 1, 2 blks
Dement 3, 1, 7
Morton 2, 8, 0, 2 blks
Desmond 2, 1, 0
Price 0, 1, 0, 4 tos
Granger 0, 0, 5, 2 blks
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 42-35%
REB: +1
TO: -4
Pts in paint: +12
2nd chance: -3
Fast break: +1
[/INDENT]
Notes

• It was a fantastic game, as both teams clearly wanting to win and gave it their all. We were able to engineer a 10-1 run during sometime during the middle of the 2nd half, and that was the crucial moment of the game. We were able to hang on, and it was too late for ZAGA when they began hitting their outside shots.
• Half of SF Mike Mason's contributions today can't be seen in the box score. The job he did in shadowing SG Shannon Clyburn deserves recognition.
• In the other Final Four game, it was an all-SEC affair, and #14 LSU upsets #1 Georgia