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When you're the better team, you should win that game. We were the better team tonight and the defense against those snipers was on point...for 36 minutes. When May banked in the 3 to put us up 7, I thought that was a sign. But when we got the stop at the other end and decided to go into clockball with 4 minutes left, I knew we were in trouble. This is a choke of epic proportions that puts every one of our past disappointments in the conference tournament down a peg. I have no idea why in the world you wouldn't just keep running your offense and working the ball down low to CT with that 7-point lead. Oh wait, I know. It's because we have a choking tactician on the sidelines. How man free throws did we shoot tonight? 7. Shameful. As soon as we got that 7-point lead, that was the time to run the offense thru Charles and force Charleston to either collapse and open up a shooter or get him to the free throw line. He had finally figured it out in the lane in the first half and yet only had 2 points in the 2nd half (while also committing a couple of insanely dumb fouls for anyone, let alone a 5th year senior). But instead, freakin Paar is in the game and DW is out there on an island all by himself with no one coming to the ball. Then we gotta chuck up crap at the shot clock horn when we hadn't done that the entire game. Tarke should have been stapled to the bench after the first 10 minutes of the game when he showed that he was gonna be Bad Tarke and throw up a bunch of crazy crap around the rim. He did NOTHING tonight. But he could have made it all better if he flushes that breakaway layup. Nope, that was too much to ask of him. Weak. This also points to the lack of player development and regression we've seen throughout the season out of a lot of players. Who got better as the season went on? DW, Tejada (though still an enigma at times), and that's about it. I'd put Lowery on the positive side too but he needs to get tons better at the offensive end. I love his defense and his activity on the boards. So now the elephant in the room. I'm done with Skerry. Great guy, keeps his players out of trouble (for the most part), graduates them, gets them opportunity post-college. But he's hit his ceiling. You have to be a winning coach in this situation when you're up by 7 with 4:00 left against the best team in the conference. You can't have offensive liabilities on the floor during that time. You have to realize that certain players don't have it tonight and make sure they don't continue to hurt you. But most of all, you have to make your players better as the season goes on. The player development over the last couple of years has been lacking. I can't count the number of times I've watched a big man this year take it soft to the basket and miss layups. That should be corrected in the summer, not allowed to fester throughout the entire year. He's brought in a pair of D2 All-Americans in the last 2 years and both players looked like they wouldn't make a roster of any D1 team in the country. Worst of all, we still try to win games via the caveman era. We haven't evolved with how the game has evolved. And yet, when we needed to go to that in the last 4 minutes, the wrong personnel is on the floor and the wrong gameplan is called out. This is a shameful choke.

I know the loss is still fresh in everyone's minds, but I wanted to take a second to thank you all for following my coverage of the team over the last three years, in whatever capacity it may have been. The constant engagement from you all kept me going and gave me a reason to continue covering the team in the way that I did. I'm graduating in May so this is the last season I'll be covering them. I'll still be reporting on the transfer portal until then, but I won't be around nearly as much next season. Thanks, Jake

The season is over. I'm not going to go over it ad nauseum. We did so in every freakin' game. I don't expect a postseason game, because why we played in Canada. It would be one thing to play the freshmen, but they've already played enough save for Jaiden Cole. Schedule: It will be interesting to see what the schedule is going to look like in 2024-25. According to KenPom, Towson was 193rd in Strength of Schedule overall and 141st in non-conference schedule. Our point guard situation was a mess going into the non-conference schedule with Hicks getting hurt (again), D-Will trying to learn the position as a r-freshman and Lowery as the backup point guard. Hopefully, they add one more point guard because Williamson is ready to run the show. So let's talk about next season (again). I know I brought that up earlier this season in this thread because I was excited about the freshmen coming in for next year's class and that I wasn't really pumped about this current team. Needs: 1)Point guard or combo guard with size. Kobe Rodgers (6-3, 180) is my ideal point guard or combo guard type. Tall, athletic, defends, decent shooter (14 of 33 from 3pt), but can get to the basket at will (51.6% FG, 4.6rpg, 79.5% FT). 2)Replace Charles at center. Need a starter or backup who can play 15+ mpg. Caleb Embeya (6-9, 225) is one of the most talented bigs we've brought in maybe ever. It sounds like hyperbole but I think guys like Charles are fine. They overachieve at 6-7, but having a more lengthy and athletic big with skill will be fun to have. He's going to have his ups and downs but he will play right away. But we desperately need a veteran big and more of an upgrade from Paar to back him up or start over him. http://www.hudl.com/v/2NgPA2 3)Develop a more efficient offense. We need more willing passers. If Tarke is going to play significant minutes, he needs to get the ball to the shooters and scorers (Tejada, DWill, Embeya, etc.). But let's face it, they either need to find a transfer who is an upgrade. Tarke does bring defense and size, but I don't know if he lost a step or needs to get in a tad better shape. He just doesn't go by people like I thought he could. There needs to be at least one more combo and a true point guard, who can push for minutes. One has to be a 38%+ three-point shooter. I've been saying this for years, but I know the small lineup (not that small or four-guard lineup didn't work late in the game against Charleston, I'm not sure having Jones or Sulaiman in the game would have meant much. But this team needs to run more. I don't know if that was the final Adjusted Tempo stat of 357, but there's no need to play stall ball and milk the clock until there's 3 seconds ball anymore: Williamson, Ndefo, Lowery, Watson, Embeya, May and even Tarke can push the ball and run the floor. I'd be working on transition all summer because it was not good in terms of making the right pass and guys filling the lane. We need bigs with agility and if you have Embeya up to 225 or 230 with a bulked up Tejada at 230+, the offense should be able to run smoother. They need better passers though and the biggest issue on offense for Tyler is that the ball stops with him. I don't mind it at times because he's the only weapon on the court at times. But next season, he, Tarke and others need to make the extra pass. We should be showing them film of Charleston's offense the entire off-season. That's the way we need to at least attempt to play. Get the ball down low and if it's not available. quickly move the ball to the open player. 4)Figure out the wing position and who is going to play the 4. Yes, they also need to add a transfer 4, 5 and 1. You have Tarke mainly at the 2 and then Christian May (6-5, 210), Marcus Watson (6-6, 215), Mekhi Lowery (6-7, 205), Tyler Tejada (6-8 1/2, 220) and Chike Ndefo (6-6, 190) They all have some attributes in terms of athleticism, length, defensive ability, etc. Ndefo is known more as an excellent defender, but he's been putting up some big numbers lately (26 points and 33 pts. recently). But there is no room at the moment barring a few things. I have to think that Tejada bulks up and moves to the 4. He was a center in HS and his lateral quickness isn't bad, but you can see that May and Lowery just moves better side to side. Lowery needs at least 15 pounds and an improved shot, but I think he plays everwhere. That leaves May and this is a huge summer for him to get that offense going. Watson, if healthy and he'll have nearly a year of rehab by the time he practices over the summer, if he's near 100%, he's a freak athlete like Lowery. A much better shooter (I know that's not saying much), but whether he fits in or not, who knows, He needs the ball, that's for sure. 5)Who is returning? Not sure, but no CT, no Paar and Radhir Hicks (concussion) may not return. Jaiden Cole is about 20 pounds away from being an impact player and needs a healthy summer. WIth 100 wings, it appeared that he was attempting to play the point. The shot that looked so good when he was just working on the side is now a high floater.. After that, we can all guess the players, but I don't want to speculate quite yet until I get more info about who is coming back and who is not. Also, NIL is always important to retain players but also to add a few in the portal. C Embeya PF Sulaiman, Jones, Coleman SF Tejada, Lowery, Ndefo SG Watson, Tarke, May, J. Cole PG Williamson

Still waiting for that Alpha Dog Point Guard.

Spiro is great. He’s a Towson broadcasting legend. No need to go after him. 2012 you need to leave the state for a year and experience some positivity. Nothing wrong with being positive about the alma mater we all love. I don’t think Pat is the right guy going forward but I don’t make those decisions. He’s gotten us back to respectability but now we need to go farther.

I thought Jon Rothstein’s post-game analysis was great. Telling the audience Pat Skerry needs to go without explicitly saying Pat Skerry needs to go. Far too many golden opportunities over the years to capitalize on either superior talent (Benimon) or circumstances and never able to get it done, adding tonight’s game to that list.

Probably the most gut wrenching collapse I’ve seen live by Skerry. Says a lot because I’ve seen a lot of games. Should have been expected but still hurts

It took all of about 3 minutes after this complete collapse before some people started mentioning the possibilities of “next year”. Next year?? That’s laughable. There’s ZERO reason, !ZERO!, to believe that next year will be any different. Maybe 18 wins and get bounced in the quarter finals, or maybe 24 wins and semi-final tournament loss, who knows maybe a complete regression and only a 10 win season. Give Pat long enough and the bottom will completely fall out. Wanna talk about tonight’s game? Let me refer back to something I brought up about two weeks ago. The need for a bona fide sports psychologist for this program. Case in point, air-balling a crucial free-throw attempt late in close game. How on earth do you completely miss the rim in that situation? That issue is entirely in the players head. The “yips” as golfers call it. We are a mentally fragile team. No amount of mediocre coaching from Pat Skerry is going to solve that problem. Bring in a professional shrink.

I just read my post from our semifinals loss to CoC last year… Groundhog Day.

Vegas has just posted odds and we are at 10-1 to dance by the 2049-2050 Season. Today is my birthday 🎉 51. I’ll take all the blame for this collapse. Arrived in the Fall of 91’ and started this 33 year curse. No explanation needed. We are Towson!

Up 7 with 4 minutes left. 13-1 Charleston run Airballing the front end of a 1-1 should be a capital crime. Spiro sounded devastated and we all are for 33 years straight. Hand it off Pat. You served and are counted. We aren’t gonna win under you.

That fumble every other handoff Rinse wash repeat. Same thing every year. If Steve had balls (he doesnt). A change would be made. Longest tenured coach to never make a conf final

Unsurprising, and yet I’m still crushed. Another year, another “almost.”

Zero composure. Zero intelligence. Bummer

Finished at 20-14 and 13-8 in the CAA counting the tournament. Probably a tad better than I thought they'd finish. In the CAA Tournament, I thought we saw the future in three strong freshmen and then many questions after that. Charles Thompson gave what he had but it's time to move on. He also was suspended for the first half of the W&M game, had a Flagrant foul that was shaky against UNCW and then fouled out against Charleston. That Ante Brzovic dunk that basically won the game and was a huge mistake (apparently made by Sulaiman not helping out) was partially due to CT not being on the floor. He directed everyone and knew where to be. I'm not going to destroy these kids because I know they played hard and are feeling like crap after this loss. But facts are facts. This is a business now. Some are getting NIL money even if it's small or just bagels or whatever. Yes, I'm not saying the coach is not responsible for all of this, in terms of recruiting, gameplan, development, end of games coaching. Of course, he's culpable. *Christian May came into this tournament as the leading scorer. He had two decent shooting games against UNCW and NC A&T on the road (6-of-15 3pt) after going 1 for his last 14 from 3pt. In three games in the CAA Tournament, he went 1 for 9 from 3 point range and the one banked in. He did not take a 3 against UNCW, but also shot just 5 for 17 from the field in three games. Took just 17 shots in around 28 minutes per game. *Dylan Williamson. Breakout star for Towson. For some reason, didn't get to the FT line against Charleston and that hurt because he was 17-for-17 from the line in two games. He went from around 62% from the line to 68%. He averaged around 15 points in three games. He made 11 of 28 from the field and 7 of 13 from the three-point line with five assists and two turnovers. *Tyler Tejada shot 11 of 27 from the field and 5 of 14 from beyond the arc with 10 rebounds. Not great numbers but was certainly aggressive and scored 31 points in three games. Had 16 against Charleston in the semis. *Nendah Tarke had an erratic season and that continued in the tournament when he scored 29 points in two games, but went 0-8 when it mattered against Charleston, Wound up going 9 for 31 overall and 2 for 13 from 3-point range. Also 9 for 14 from the line. Did not get to the line against Charleston. Had just three assists in three games with seven turnovers. In his last eight games, he went 5 of 31 from three-point range. *Tomiwa Sulaiman started out with 12 points against W&M and then started the next two games and scored just three points. He was 3 for 3 from three-point range so you'd think they'd try to get him one or two looks against Charleston but no. He shot 6 of 9 from the field, but had just seven rebounds in three games. Assuming he returns, needs to improve on the boards, but he's a role player. *Messiah Jones scored just eight points in three games on four of 12 from the field and took no three-point shots even though he shot 39.3% from beyond the arc, small sample size at 11 of 28, but that was the best mark on the team. Had seven rebounds in the semifinals and 12 in three games. *Charles Thompson should not be included here since he's gone, but he was decent in this tournament scoring 32 points on 11 of 16 shooting. Also 10 of 13 from the line though he missed two FTs against Charleston. Had 17 rebounds in three games, seven assists and three blocks. He should have had more attempts in the paint. *Mekhi Lowery's impact on this team can't be judged by numbers. Defensively, he was everywhere with four blocks and two steals. Scored 10 points and that was in the UNCW game. Was 5 of 7 from the field. So took just one shot in the other two games.

I wasn’t worried about Williamson possibly bolting, that is until he avg’d 15 or so ppg in the tournament. Hopefully, people don’t start whispering in his ear that he’s too good to stay here. Same concern with Tejada; not so much as to Lowery. The concerning part, aside from our “coach for life,” is that that our limited NIL has to be split two ways: (1) to buy portal players; and (2) to retain existing players.

Yep, and that goes to having the wrong personnel on the floor. DW is one of the few offensive bright spots in the first half and yet, Tarke is out there for the first 3 minutes of the 2nd half -- just long enough for him to unnecessarily cheat on defense and leave his man open in the lane for an easy bucket. When Tarke is on it, he's pretty good. But when he's been bad in games -- and we've seen plenty of Bad Tarke -- it's a hilarious disaster. Like, stop shooting dude, they're leaving you open for a reason.

Williamson may not be the alpha dog but he’s the best we’ve had in awhile. He should have started with Tarke or instead of Tarke. I know he plays starters minutes but I think one of tbe most important parts of the game is the opening of the second half.

I honestly don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer, but to be speculating on who comes back, who leaves, who starts, etc. is a bit like rearranging the chairs on the Titanic. Have we not learned that the players that come into our program make little or no difference?? As long as the captain of the ship remains Skerry, this ship will ultimately sink.

You’ll be waiting a long time! I do like Williamson and think under a competent coach, would become that. But he’s at Towson, atleast for now

Jake, we appreciate it and know you're going to do great things at The Sun and in the future. We're hurt after this collapse but some of us who have been around a long time are just used to it. From one "asleep at the wheel" to another. I know you won't miss all the ball busting. (lol). Maybe in a few years you can take over running the CAA communications department.

Samford has a coach in his 4th year, was a hs coach prior, just won the socon tourney along with back to back regular season titles. Oh he also had a shitty first year but was able to win

I think it would be best for May if he had a change of scenery starting next season. It’s too simplistic to blame the loss on him, but his air ball epitomizes the futility of the Skerry era. What did he score in these 3 games, 10 points? And he was our leading scorer in the regular season. Look, it is what it is. We will NEVER beat C of C in the conference tournament. They have a million dollar NIL war chest; we maybe have 1/10th of that. Even if Kelsey leaves for greener pastures, we are saddled with Skerry in perpetuity. I’m reconciled to the fact we will not make the NCAA Tournament again in my lifetime

Death, taxes and underachieving Skerry basketball teams.

But but but, 3 straight 19 win or mores seasons! Isn’t that something?! Some arbitrary number they pick to support their side. how about this, 13 straight seasons without making the final (I know more but just under the little shrill man).