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December 2025

Explosive Second Half Helps Towson Top Cornell

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Towson, MD – Coming off of a close loss to James Madison, Towson had a week off to recoup and prepare itself against a good Cornell team. They struggled in the first half to stop Cornell from scoring in the paint. The Tigers saw themselves giving up 22 points in the paint while only being down 36-35 at the half. However, with a strong outing Tyler Tejada and Dylan Williamson, Towson was able to go on a run in the second half to secure the 93-80 victory.

In the first half, Senior Cooper Noard for the Cornell Big Red led the way with 10 points to help the team go on a 15-8 run to start the game. Towson had no answers for Cornell in the paint. Of their 36 points, 22 came in the paint as they shot 12-of-20 from inside the arc. It also helped that the team was efficient from 3 going 50% on 3-of-6 shooting led by the team’s leading scorer Adam Hinton who made both his 3’s in the half. The team also did a good job contesting shots in the paint. Out the gate, Towson was not able to convert inside the 3-point line going just 5-of-19 from the field. However, Tejada, currently leading the team in points at 18.6 ppg, led the team with 14 points at the break while the team collectively shot 7-of-14 from three. This 3-point shooting helped keep the game close for the Tigers along their strong offensive rebounding (9-3 advantage).

Following several shots in the paint by Tejada and offensive rebounds by Jack Doumbia Jr. that led to four points in a 30 second window, Towson seemed poised for a run. However, a few shots at the rim by Cornell kept the game close. After scoring just five points in the first half, PG Dylan Williamson stepped up in the second scoring 10 points and assisting on three shots to help Towson go on a 22-15 run. The Tigers were on a 17-15 run before a 3 by Tejada put them up 55-51 and then following a block, Tejada found Williamson on a fast break that led to a layup putting them up 57-51. This half also saw Tyler Coleman, who is averaging 2.6 ppg on the season with no 3’s, hit his lone 3 point attempt of the game and go 3-of-3 from the field. With 5:10 left to go, Towson converted a put back dunk off a missed shot followed by a steal and runout in transition led to a 16-point lead for the Tigers capping a 23-13 run essentially putting the game away.

The 93 points scored by Towson is the most points scored by the team with coach Pat Skerry at the helm against a non-conference opponent outside of the Baltimore area. The team also finished with 38 rebounds with almost half coming on the offensive end with 16. They made getting offensive rebounds their identity in the second half along with outside shooting as they finished the game 11-of-22 from deep. They were led by their two stars; Dylan Williamson who finished with 15 points, 2 rebounds and 8 assists, and Tyler Tejada who finished with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Towson will have a tough test ahead against 7-1 UCF.  Cornell looks to bounce back against 4-5 Samford.

This article was written by Andre Jackson, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Hubbard Leads Mississippi State Past Georgia Tech

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Atlanta, GA – Mississippi State imposed its rhythm and physical play in an 85–73 road win over Georgia Tech on Wednesday night, relying on Josh Hubbard’s calm scoring bursts, Quincy Ballard’s inside presence, and timely outside shooting to control a game the Bulldogs led for the final 32 minutes. Georgia Tech’s early energy came primarily from Kowacie Reeves Jr., who scored a career-high 23 points on 8-of-20 shooting, including a strong 7-of-14 from three-point range. However, the rest of the Yellow Jackets shot just 18-of-57 from the field and 1-of-16 from deep, a disparity that defined the night.

Reeves opened the game with the smooth mechanics and balanced attacking he has shown all season, knocking down two early threes to help Georgia Tech take a 9–2 lead. His ability to shoot cleanly off movement, maintain consistent form, and make quick decisions off screens provided the Jackets with their most dependable source of offense. Mississippi State responded quickly. Hubbard’s composed ball handling, even as a streaky shooter, allowed the Bulldogs to settle into their preferred pace. He never rushed, skillfully navigating switches and pressure to guide Mississippi State through the early stretch.

The Bulldogs took their first lead at 15–13 during a run in which they scored 13 of the next 16 points, capitalizing on Georgia Tech’s cold spells and struggles finishing around the rim. Ballard’s long reach altered multiple shots, forcing the Jackets into difficult one-handed finishes — an area where Reeves, despite his scoring, can still be limited — and rushed floaters from his teammates. By the second media timeout, Mississippi State held a rebounding advantage and began controlling the paint, widening the margin as Georgia Tech’s efficiency sharply dropped.

Reeves continued to score through sharp cuts, relocations, and confident pull-up jumpers, but the Jackets struggled to find consistent help. Akai Fleming, who can pressure the rim with his strong frame, added 12 points but struggled as a perimeter shooter, allowing Mississippi State to sag and clog driving lanes. Baye Ndongo and Mouhamed Sylla each contributed 12, with Ndongo’s effort on the glass momentarily helping narrow the rebounding gap. Still, Tech never fully recovered from its long scoreless stretches.

Mississippi State entered halftime leading 37–28, buoyed by balanced contributions from Jayden Epps, Brandon Walker, and Jamarion Davis-Fleming. Their physical drives and timely cuts added needed scoring. Hubbard remained patient throughout, rarely forcing shots and maintaining control of the offense even when the Bulldogs weren’t shooting well from outside.

The Bulldogs opened the second half with a quick five points, increasing their lead to 16. Georgia Tech answered with its best stretch of the night — a 21–11 run sparked by Reeves’ continued perimeter accuracy and Ndongo’s hustle — trimming the deficit to 55–49 with 11 minutes remaining. For a moment, Tech’s energy, the crowd’s engagement, and Reeves’ shot-making created the sense that momentum might shift.

Hubbard quickly put that notion to rest. From the 55–49 mark, he scored nine straight points, showcasing the scoring ability that complements his steady floor leadership. He sank two threes and completed a three-point play to push the lead back to 66–51, and Georgia Tech never drew within single digits again.

Mississippi State maintained control of the paint, dominated the boards, and kept Georgia Tech’s non-Reeves shooters off balance. Hubbard finished with 25 points, while Epps, Walker, and Davis-Fleming each contributed in double figures. Ballard’s shot-blocking remained central, influencing Tech’s shot attempts far beyond the box score.

Georgia Tech, now 5–4, received 12 points each from Fleming, Ndongo, and Sylla, but their 1-of-16 shooting from deep outside of Reeves proved too great an obstacle to overcome. Despite Reeves’ strong performance and game-high nine rebounds, Tech’s offensive struggles and Mississippi State’s disciplined execution secured an 85–73 victory for the Bulldogs.

This article was written by Courtney Chappelle, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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USC’s Frontcourt Onslaught Too Much For Ducks

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Eugene, OR – In the opening night of Big Ten conference play, USC had a huge first half from Jacob Cofie, a huge second half from Ezra Ausar, and a steady showing of dominance from Chad Baker-Mazara to edge out Oregon, 82-77. The game was close throughout, with Baker-Mazara sealing it down the stretch with several floaters in the lane, and a massive three-pointer he created off the bounce. USC maintains a perfect 8-0 record while missing junior guard Rodney Rice, who is averaging 20.3 ppg through 6 games. Oregon, after finishing 0-3 at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, is now at 4-4 on the season.

Auburn transfer and super senior, Baker-Mazara, was the game high scorer with 25-points, consistent in his impact during both halves. The lithe, 6’7” wing, showed good touch, unorthodox drives, and used his length to create space and angles. He’s also a strong defender and a steadying presence. Turning 26 in January and would be very light by NBA standards, he is averaging 20.9 ppg on the season, is a career 87.8% FT shooter and 39.5% 3PT shooter in college. He should at the very least be on two-way radars and have a chance to prove he can carve out a role in the G League.

The first half saw a dominant performance from sophomore Virginia transfer, Cofie, who took advantage of mismatches, drained a couple from long range and showed his ability to handle in the open floor at 6’10”. Cofie had 16 of his 17 points in the first half, as Oregon stifled him with doubles and kept a closer eye on him, which led to opportunities for the 6’9” senior Utah transfer, Ausar. After playing just over 5 minutes in the first half due to foul trouble, Ausar used his physicality and athleticism to finish around the basket and get to the foul line. He had all 13 of his points in the second half. Cofie also finished with 3 steals and 2 blocks, with he and Ausar able to move their feet and make it tough for Oregon to score in the paint.

The other two double figure scorers for the Trojans were freshman guard Jerry Easter II, and stretch forward Jaden Brownell, both finishing with 11. Easter II has taken on much more of a role the past two games without Rice, and he left a mark on this game with his ability to get to the paint and his defensive pressure. All three of his field goals were blow by’s, and he sealed the game for the Trojans at the FT stripe. Brownell, the 6’10” transfer from Samford, had three corner three-pointers, with his quick release being something you have to account for.

Oregon had a big performance from junior Kwame Evans, Jr., who tied a career high with 23 points and pulled down 9 rebounds. He showed a blend of his ability to stretch the floor, how dangerous he can be as a cutter, and that he can punish closeouts. He did a good job through contact and finished 9-of-11 at the line. Evans, Jr. also is an event creator defensively with his length and anticipation. This was his fifth game in a row over double figures, and the Ducks are a much better team when he is aggressive, taking advantage of mismatches with his blend of length and movement ability. While he still can work on his hands, reacting more quickly once he gets the ball, and his balance going to the basket, he was the absolute bright spot for Oregon and kept this game competitive.

After a rough start from deep for Oregon, senior Elon transfer Takai Simpkins is now hitting 40.9% 3PT on the season and was 4-of-6 from 3 in this game, finishing with 17 points and 5 assists. It has been a streaky season for Simpkins thus far, but he gives the Ducks a secondary creator, with some pop and someone defenses need to respect from deep. 

Junior Jackson Shelstad had 11 points and 4 assists in the first half, as the Ducks went into halftime tied 39-39. The second half was a real struggle, as he finished 0-4 from three, making his lone FG with the game out of reach to finish with 13 points and 5 assists. Also, in a game that saw Oregon shoot 10-of-23 (43%) from three, Shelstad finished 1-of-6. Teams have started to trap him consistently, pressuring him up court often and being physical off ball. The Ducks second leading scorer on the season at 15.3 ppg, Shelstad and Oregon will have to adapt to what is now common practice in trying to take him out of the game.

The Trojans were not the only team missing a crucial piece, as 7-footer Nathan Bittle missed his second game in a row dealing with an ankle injury. Bittle is averaging 16.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg, and 2.3 bpg on the season, and will be a crucial element if Oregon hopes to compete in the Big Ten. Rodney Rice, the junior Maryland transfer, missed his third game in a row as he deals with a shoulder injury.

Oregon and USC will both be in California on Saturday December 6, playing their second Big Ten conference games at 3 pm, with Oregon facing UCLA at Pauley Pavilion, while USC will host Washington. USC has done all they have needed to so far this season, while Oregon hopes to cut down on turnovers that have plagued them as a team, and get all of their main players on the same page. 

This article was written by Michael Visenberg, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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