By Gabriella DeCampo
The Towson University women’s basketball team honored its two graduating seniors March 2 before defeating the College of Charleston Cougars in their final home game of the season.
The 75-63 victory at the SECU Arena improved the Tigers’ record to 13-15 overall, 7-8 in the Colonial Athletics Association (CAA). The Cougars fell to 15-13, 8-7 in the CAA.
“Tremendous way to end our season here at SECU,” head coach Niki Reid Geckeler said during a press conference after the game. “It’s been a year of ups and downs. However, when you can end like this you’re very happy.”
Before tip-off, the players honored seniors Tanisha McTiller and Nyree Williams, who were playing their final game at SECU.
“It meant a lot to me. I just want to credit my teammates for sending me away with a win,” McTiller said. “We just came out with a lot of effort, intensity and focus, and we just never let up.”
Williams was forced to watch from the sidelines as she suffered a season-ending knee injury at the game against Hofstra in early February.
McTiller showed that she will be remembered in Towson women’s basketball history, leading the team with 26 points and getting seven rebounds in the game.
“Points really don’t matter, a win is all that matters,” McTiller said after the game.
McTiller, along with teammate LaTorri Hines-Allen, scored half of the team’s total points. Hines-Allen scored 25 points and led the team in rebounds, with 14.
“Last couple of games, something finally clicked in my head, don’t settle for jump shots, take them to the basket,” Hines-Allen said.
The Tigers led by as much as 17 points in the first half. Junior Dominique Johnson and junior Markell Smith each had nine total points. The only off of the bench points were two, and came from junior Cierra Webb.
The Cougars put up two three pointers. Mikaela Hopkins, who stands at 6-foot 5-inches, scored the most points for her team with 15. She also grabbed eight rebounds.
The Tigers are preparing for the CAA Championship Tournament, which starts March 13 at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Md.
“We plan on packing for a few days when we go to Show Place Arena,” Geckeler said.