Harper Returns to Lead Tigers to Victory

Head coach Laura Harper made her first appearance behind the sidelines for the 2023-24 season after being on administrative leave since May 19, 2023. Harper was able to start in the win column.

“Best feeling I’ve ever felt coaching, if I can be completely honest. These are my children. I feel that way, and I tell them all the time,” said Harper. “I have so much passion to coach them, and I can’t even explain the joy in my heart, I probably won’t sleep tonight if I can be completely honest. It’s worth it, and I’m very happy.”

Tigers Take Revenge on Bears

Last season, Morgan State traveled to TU Arena and defeated the Tigers 76-48 for the Charm City Hoops Classic. Tonight, Towson was able to claim back their homecourt victory against the Bears.

“We definitely remembered what that 30-point loss meant. We take it very personally just being here in Baltimore, so I think that our players had enough motivation to really be there and be prepared,” said Harper. “We had a game plan.”

Tigers Dominate from the Start

Both teams started off slow on the offensive front in the first quarter. Towson didn’t score their first field goal until there were just under five minutes left. Then, Morgan State put up their first points at the 3:54 mark with a driving layup from guard Gabrielle Johnson. The Tigers were able to pick up the pace with under three minutes to go, leading 14-2.

The Tigers were led by Kylie Kornegay-Lucas with 15 points and Aminata Diakite with 13 points. The Tigers were outrebounding the Bears 21-17.

“I started the game missing a few shots,” said Kornegay-Lucas, “But my coaches and my teammates told me to keep my head up, which I did. I just kept shooting.”

Tigers Secure the Win

After halftime, the Tigers hit the court with an even more dominant defensive game, with two blocks and eight steals. At the end of the third quarter, Diakite sank a buzzer-beater layup, sending her team into the fourth quarter with offensive momentum.

“My team is going to score in the paint. We’re going to run, we’re going to rebound, and that’s something they know are our core values, so it’s definitely been an emphasis and will continue to be an emphasis,” stated Harper.

The Tigers were able to hold onto their lead, going into the fourth quarter with a 63-40 lead, never quite losing their physicality and drive. While Morgan State did manage to put up a 29-point fourth quarter, the Tigers still were able to secure the 80-69 win.

Towson’s next game is on the road against Liberty on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.