UMBC

Towson, MD--The Retriever men's basketball team shook off a slow start and rallied to defeat host Towson, 59-53, in the championship game of the Battle of  Baltimore Tournament at the Towson Center.

UMBC has won four straight BOB titles and eight straight games in the tournament. They defeated Loyola twice (2000, 2002) and Towson twice (2001, 2003) during the run.

Junior Andrew Feeley was named Tournament Most Valuable Player. After recording 19 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Loyola, the 6'9" center produced 10 points and 5 rebounds against a tough Tiger zone defense. Classmate Rob Gogerty and newcomer Cory McJimson also earned All Tournament team honors. Gogerty scored 16 points in the opener and dished out a BOB record 11 assists in the title game. McJimson led UMBC's balanced attack vs. Towson with 12 points, including a pair of buckets down the stretch to keep TU at bay.

UMBC struggled against an aggressive Tiger zone, falling behind, 18-8, nearly 13 minutes into the contest. But McJimson and Feeley hit two buckets each to key a 15-2 run which gave UMBC a 23-20 lead late in the opening half.

The Retrievers led, 27-23 at intermission, and built the advantage to 49-37 with 6:17 remaining, sparked by a pair of three-point goals by Kareem Washington. But TU would rally, slicing the lead to 55-52 on a pair of Jamaal Gilchrist free throws with 1:26 to play. TU got possesion with a chance to tie and 1:00 to play, but did not convert and UMBC hit 4 of 8 free throws in the final 39 seconds to preserve the victory.

UMBC held both Loyola and Towson to less  than 40% shooting from the floor, and committed just 19 turnovers in the two contests. John Zito scored in double figures in both games, adding 11 points vs. Towson to his 10 vs. Loyola. McJimson corralled 8 rebounds to lead UMBC.

The Retrievers return to action on December 2 when they host Princeton.