Tiger Blog
Losing Billy Thomas for the rest of the season seems to have created more problems for Coach Aura than expected. Trying to replace his minutes on the court has created issues not only at PG but also at SG and SF as the coach tries to keep fresh legs on the court. It’s necessitated him having to sub more often and to put players at different positions than he planned at certain points during each game. Ultimately this could be a good or bad thing. If players don’t adapt to playing multiple positions, their performance may suffer. And if the shallower bench tires players too much, both their offensive and defensive proficiency may deteriorate. But if they do adapt, his players may ultimately improve their skills more quickly than they would have otherwise as well as providing the flexibility for a coach and team that is always important as the season progresses. Time will tell how this goes for Towson. Another potential major issue would be if there is another major injury. That could well cripple the Tigers.
Last night the Towson Tigers ventured to Itta Bena, Mississippi, a town with a population of 2,000 souls in an area of Mississippi of even smaller towns. Their mission: to take on the Mississippi Valley Delta Devils. The Delta Devils came into the game having lost their first two games but then turning things around to come out victorious in their next two games. Mississippi Valley was led by PF Greg Fry who was averaging 15.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg. The Delta Devils primarily employ a 2-3 zone so the question on the minds of Tigers’ fans was: could the Tigers solve to shoot as well as they had in their previous game against Eastern Illinois? Coach Frederick Aura must have been thinking that way also because he started Matt Settles at SF who thus far has hit a much higher percentage of his shots than previous starter, Eric Shannon. That means Ryan Holmes will start at PG. Thus far Holmes has more assists than does Settles so that was also a likely factor in the coach’s decision. Ryan Taylor has been the team’s best shooter from the perimeter, so he probably will be getting more time at SG which will all the coach to move Mitchell Evans from SG to PG when there is the need.
The starters for the game means that Aura’s starting lineup is in shambles. Of the 5 original starters, only 2 remain in tonight’s lineup. Mitchell Evans continues to start at SG (but he’s being challenged by Ryan Taylor, the surprising freshman mentioned above) and Craig Smith is still in the starting lineup but has been moved from C to PF. But…Billy Thomas is no longer at PG due to his injury, PF Jason Vickers wasn’t yet ready for prime-time, and Eric Shannon’s transition from SG to starting at SF has at least been placed on hold due to his shooting problems.
And as to last night’s game?
During the first 14 minutes of the first half neither team could gain an advantage, but as fouls mounted against the Tigers, the Delta Devils began pulling away. Towson outshot Mississippi Valley 50% to 41%, but had a 19-13 rebounding deficit, was -3 in turnovers and picked up 12 fouls compared to 5 by the Delta Devils. This results in Mississippi Valley scoring 11 more points on free throws that the Tigers which was more than enough for the Delta Devils to lead 40-30 at the break. Craig Smith and Nick McPherson each were saddled with 3 fouls.
Mississippi Valley’s shooting improved in the 2nd half, particularly their 3P shooting Meanwhile Towson’s shooting went south. The Delta Devils gradually expanded their lead and finishes with a 75-56 win over the Tigers. SF Jay Thomas knocked down 20 points for Mississippi Valley and PF Greg Fry had 12 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks for Mississippi Valley. Although PF Craig Smith’s time on the court was limited due to foul trouble, he still led Towson with 10 points and 6 boards.
The loss dropped Towson’s season record to 3-2. Aura’s search for a dependable starting lineup cotinues.