GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Towson basketball team will return from its two-week lay-off for finals and the holidays when it opens play at the State Farm Classic hosted by the University of Florida on Monday, December 29. The Tigers (7-1) will face Miami (Ohio) in the first game at 5 p.m. with Vermont taking on the host, Florida in the second contest.

The Tigers and RedHawks have never met prior to Monday night's game.

The last time out the Tigers extended their win streak to two games with a 56-48 win over previously unbeaten Richmond. In that contest, junior guard Shanae Baker-Brice scored 19 points while junior forward Haliena Snowden chipped in 10 points and six rebounds.

On the season, Baker-Brice leads the Tigers with a 17.1 points per game average. She has also contributed 33 assists and 25 steals. Junior forward Katrina Wheeler and sophomore guard Omara Parker are both averaging 10.4 points per game. Wheeler is also the team’s leading rebounder, pulling down 9.3 boards per game. The Tigers are shooting 67.3% from the free throw line and averaging 4.5 blocks per game.

Miami of Ohio is coming off a 73-69 victory over Murray State to improve to 7-3 on the year. In that game the RedHawks got 21 points from Ashleigh Brown and 19 from Courtney Reed.

On the season, Jenna Schone is pacing the team with 15.6 points per game. Schone also leads the team with 46 assists and 21 steals. Reed is contributing 12.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. The RedHawks’ leading rebounder is Jaclyn Leininger who is averaging 6.8 boards per game and chipping in 10.5 points per game.

The Tigers will return to action on Tuesday, December 30 against either Vermont or Florida. Game time is to be determined as Florida will play in the 7:30 game on Tuesday regardless if it’s the championship or consolation game of the tournament.

-- TIGERS --