Towson Clinches First NCAA Tournament Berth In Program History
Towson hits a milestone
The Towson University women’s basketball team defeated Drexel University in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Championship on Saturday afternoon in the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, Delaware. A 53-49 victory over Drexel clinches Towson’s first CAA title and the first NCAA Tournament berth in program history.
Junior forward Nukiya Mayo led the way for the Tigers with 20 points. Mayo was named the CAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player while redshirt sophomore guard Kionna Jeter was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Jeter made the go-ahead basket with 25 seconds left to give Towson the three point lead. Towson’s steady defensive pressure forced Drexel into a key turnover after the inbounds pass. Mayo drills two free throws to seal the win for the Tigers as they went up five points with 11 seconds left.
This 2018-19 season has been a historic run for the Tigers as Head Coach Diane Richardson was named CAA Coach of the Year after leading the program to their first 20-win season and the most wins since the 2007-08 season. This year marks the first winning season for the Tigers since 2011-12. Last season, Towson finished the season with nine wins which completes one of the best turnarounds in the nation in only her second season coaching at Towson.
Towson came into the season with a huge chip on their shoulder since they were voted to finish eighth in the preseason poll as the team was incorporating many new faces into the program.
With 17 wins, Towson dropped their final three games of the regular season creating a tie for third in the CAA. Drexel defeated Towson on senior night and on the road, 77-44, in Towson’s final regular season game. In the CAA Tournament, the Tigers knocked off the No. 5 seed Delaware, No. 9 seed Hofstra and No. 2 seed Drexel to take home to trophy. In each of the three CAA Tournament games Towson played, the Tigers held its opponent to under 50 points.
The historic season was certainly special as many players earned individual awards for their good play this season. Jeter was named to the All-CAA First Team and Mayo was named to the Second Team while they both earned All-CAA Defensive Team honors as well. Freshman center Janeen Camp earned All-CAA Rookie Team honors.
Jeter is now fourth all-time in singles season points and third all-time in single season field goals made. Q. Murray finished the year second in single season assists.
Towson will find out seeding and their opposing matchup on Monday at 7 p.m. during the NCAA Tournament Selection Show.
