By Kevin Heitz

Previews: Coppin State | Loyola | Morgan State | Navy | Towson | UMBC  

Conference: Colonial Athletic Association
2009-10 Record: 10-21, 6-12 CAA
Coach: Pat Kennedy

Brian Morris (Towson Athletics)

Coach Pat Kennedy came to Towson in 2004 to turn around a sleeping Tiger program. Six years later, "Pat's Cats" have a dismal 67-114 record under Kennedy and last year marked the program's 14th straight losing season. This may be a do-or-die year for Kennedy.

The Tigers will try to improve on last year's 10-21 mark, but have to do so without their top two scorers -- guard Josh Thornton (11.4 points per game) and forward Calvin Lee (10.6).

Senior forward Robert Nwankwo made the CAA All-Defensive team last season after leading the conference and ranking 11th in the nation with 3.1 blocked shots per game. He was also third in the CAA in rebounding (8.9) and recorded eight double-doubles.

Junior guard RaShawn Polk found his groove late in the season, averaging a team-best 15.5 points over the final seven games and pouring in a career-high 20 points in Towson's first-round victory against UNCW in the CAA tournament.

Junior center Braxton Dupree, who starred at Calvert Hall, will make his Towson debut after sitting out last year following his transfer from Maryland.

The Tigers tipped off the season for a second straight year against Miami of Ohio, facing the RedHawks in Oxford Nov. 12. The Tigers host Coppin Nov. 16. Six of Towson's first nine games are away from the Towson Center.

Issue 155: November 2010