Towson State University
Tiger Tracks
Published exclusively for Tiger Club members
by the News and Publications Services
TIGERS WIN TWO, PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS TOURNEY
December 21, 1976
Our varsity men's basketball squad got back on the winning track after the loss to
Coppin State, and upped the season's record to 4-1 with decisive victories over George
Mason University and C. W. Post College.
In the win over the Patriots down in Fairfax, Virginia, senior Pat McKinley hit 10
from the field and two from the free throw line to score a game-high 22 points. Brian
Matthews, perhaps the most improved player on this year's squad, added 21 points and also
had 10 field goals. Transfer guard Roger Dickens continued to rack up points, and chipped
in with 17 as the Tigers pulled away from a five point halftime advantage to defeat George
Mason, 79-70. It was the first win for Towson at the Patriots' court in three years, and
was a very important win to have for confidence if nothing else.
On December 11, the Tigers made their debut in the Towson Center. The guys apparently
liked the new surroundings, as they destroyed C. W. Post, 101-72 for the 12th 100-point
game in Towson's basketball history. The Tigers had also scored 101 points against Salis¬
bury State in 1959 and 1974, against Gallaudet in 1969, and against Wheeling in '74. (Our
high is 114 with Millersville in '70.) Against the Pioneers we took a 56-34 halftime lead
and merely added to it in the second stanza. Everyone played in the rout. Dickens led all
scorers with a 22-point effort, and Matthews had 18. McKinley had 17 points and Savia Sharp
added 16 as 13 Tigers got into the scoring column.
The Tigers are in the midst of exams and Christmas break, and get into action again
in the West Chester Tournament on Dec. 27 and 28 in Pennsylvania. Leading Towson into the
tourney are Matthews, Dickens, McKinley, and Sharp, all of whom average in double figures
in the scoring column. Matthews is hitting at 19.0 per game, and also has 45 rebounds, 12
assists, seven steals, and six blocked shots. Dickens is shooting at a 17.0 clip with 25
assists, McKinley adds 16.0 a game with a team high 62 'bounds, and "Sky" Sharp is averaging
10.8 with 11 assists. He is also hitting at an 80% clip from the charity stripe (12 for 15)
and 58% from the floor (21 for 36). In the latter department Matthews is tops with 59%
(41 for 69).
In the holiday tournament, we will meet Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in the open¬
ing round next Monday, then hopefully face the winner of the West Chester-Wi lmington clash
in the championship on Tuesday, if we are successful in the debut. The Tigers will be
home again on Jan. 4 when they host St. Thomas Aquinas at the Towson Center at 8 p.m. We
then travel to the University of Baltimore for a crucial Mason-Dixon battle with the Bees
at their Charles Street gym on Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Make plans to be there for both!
BASKETBALL PARKING
For the basketball season, parking for silver members and above will be provided in
area 21 next to the Towson Center. Members may park in any legal space in this area.
Please display your permit!
--over--