In their final game at home, the men’s basketball team lost another close game against the Towson TIgers, 75-72. This would be the Huskies’ tenth loss by less than five points this season.

Despite the loss, NU head coach Bill Coen was more focused on the fact that tonight was Senior Night and was to be celebrated.

“It was a really special day, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all our support staff that have helped us and supported this team throughout the year, talk about the pep band, the cheer and the dance team and our student body,” Coen said. 

The first half proved to be an uphill battle for the Huskies. The Tigers had a stronger defense, moved the ball faster and senior guard Brian Fobbs had stronger command over the court with 10 points and five rebounds in the half.

The Tigers set the tone for the rest of the game when Gibson scored an effortless three. Unlike Thursday’s game against James Madison, redshirt senior guard Jordan Roland saw a stronger performance as he led the half with 14 points. 

From the left corner of the Husky net, Roland passed to senior guard Bolden Brace as he went forward and was covered by multiple Tigers. Brace then passed the ball back to Roland who was waiting outside and shot uncovered for three. Junior guard Shaquille Walters almost lost the ball while covered during a drive forward, but he passed to redshirt junior guard Maxime Boursiquot with one hand and was able to make the basket as a Tiger tried to pull his right arm off and fouled. 

Despite great plays from the Huskies, the Tigers saw even greater ones. Towson freshman forward Charles Thompson was unstoppable, making multiple shots back-to-back. 

The half ended 34-27.

With the start of the second half, it almost looked like the Huskies were going to take their last win at home. With combined efforts from Walters, Boursiquot, Roland and Brace the Huskies were able to tie the game multiple times, even briefly reaching a five point lead.

But with too many Husky fouls, Boursiquot eventually fouling out with two minutes left and too many Tiger free throws, the Huskies were unable to retake the lead. In what would be the longest minute of Husky basketball this season, the fouls would catch up with the Huskies, and the Tigers would take the win.

Roland would have the most points of the game with 25, Brace would have the most rebounds with seven and graduate senior Guilien Smith would finish the game with five rebounds in what would be their last game at home.

“It was a little bit bittersweet because of the loss, but it was good to be out there and we fought hard tonight,” Brace said. 

“Obviously you want to win the game, but just like [Brace and Smith] said, I’m grateful I got the opportunity to play here,” Roland said. 

The Huskies play Towson again next week in Washington D.C. in their first game of the CAA Tournament. 

“[This week] is a long week, it’s an exciting week, it’s a complete restart for every team in the league. Whether you finished first or last, everyone has a chance,” Coen said. “Everybody is familiar with each other and there are no secrets, so it’s just about the team that executes better.”