I am optimistic about the changes the coaches have made on defense(pressing and playing more zone) and feel like those changes are exactly what we need to compete with Towson.

Towson is on a tear, and completely dismantled William and Mary recently and Drexel last night. And unlike Towson teams in the past, this team can score, having put up 90+ points in 3 of their 4 conference wins. They also can light it up from 3, which is a huge problem since they are big and can score in the paint.

I expect UNCW to utilize the press more and more as we move forward. Several times against CofC, the Hawks created turnovers or forced the Cougars to set up their offense with about 18 seconds on the shot clock. That would be a good strategy against the Tigers.

Unfortunately, the Tigers don't have many weaknesses. They score, defend and rebound well and are near the top of the conference in almost every statistical category. However, they are last in the conference in Assist/TO ratio and they don't take a lot of three pointers despite the fact they are 4th on the CAA in 3pt fg%. Those two deficiencies make them susceptible to the press and zone defense. The press and zone also can help keep Cacok and Talley out of foul trouble and on the court.

This is a game where UNCW needs to play a short bench. Talley, Cacok, Fornes and Taylor will need to log 30 min. + if we are to pull the upset. The energy of Trask should propel them.

Not sure why, but I think we win this one. Mostly because we can match up with Towson on the boards, but also because I think the coaches have put together a defensive strategy that will pay off against this team.

UNCW 78 Tiggers 74